By Mukhtar Sani Saulawa,Gombe 

Pen Resource Academy, Gombe, hosted its 13th Annual Speech and Prize-Giving Day for the Nursery and Primary Section, marking a significant celebration of academic excellence, moral upbringing, and hands-on skills among its pupils.

The well-attended event drew parents, educators, and community stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who attended both as a guest of honour and a proud father, with his daughter among the graduating class.

Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Jatau lauded the academy’s commitment to a holistic approach in education, describing it as a leading example of private sector contribution to education in the state. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in reforming the education sector and urged well-meaning individuals to support government-led initiatives to improve learning outcomes across all levels.

“The school’s dedication to academic achievement, moral values, and vocational skills resonates with our administration’s vision of inclusive and transformative education,” Dr. Jatau remarked. He also cited the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Dadinkowa, a state project under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as a long-term strategy to equip young people with skills necessary for economic independence.

Also speaking at the ceremony was the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Aishatu Umar Maigari, represented by Abdulmumini Umar Kwami, who praised the school’s balanced focus on intellectual and practical learning. She congratulated the pupils and commended the teaching staff for their resilience and dedication throughout the academic year.

In her welcome address, Head Teacher Hajiya Sa’adatu Ahmed expressed appreciation to parents, management, and the community for their unwavering support. She congratulated the graduating class, reaffirming the school’s commitment to raising responsible and skilled global citizens.

“This year’s theme, ‘Education and Skills Acquisition in the 21st Century,’ underscores the growing relevance of entrepreneurship and vocational learning in national development,” she noted.

School captain Imamu Kadija Jauro delivered a heartfelt farewell address, thanking parents and teachers for their guidance and urging her peers to uphold the values of discipline, hard work, and continuous learning.

The ceremony featured colourful cultural displays, a thought-provoking talk show, and award presentations to outstanding pupils, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

By Khalid Idris Doya

Abubakr Tafawa Balewa University, (ATBU) Bauchi has announced the resumption of admissions into its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme for the 2025/2026 academic session, reversing its earlier decision to suspend the intake.

This development was contained in a statement issued by institution’s Register, Kabiru Garba Aminu on Wednesday, who confirmed that the university has successfully resolved the earlier challenges that previously led to a temporary suspension MBBS admissions.

“The general public is hereby informed that the University will now admit students into the MBBS programme for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.

“This is follows the successful resolution of earlier challenges that led to a temporary suspension of admission into the MBBS programme,” statement read.

Earlier this year, ATBU issued a circular stating that it would not admit students into the MBBS programme for the 2025 admission cycle. However, Register said the institution is now fully prepared to accommodate new applicants into the MBBS programme.

The Registrar advised interested candidates who meet the admission requirements to log in to the official JAMB CAPS portal at www.jamb.gov.ng.

“Prospective students who meet the requirements and are interested in pursuing an MBBS degree at ATBU Bauchi are hereby encouraged to Log in to the official JAMB CAPS Portal www.jamb.gov.ng.

“Request for a Change of Institution and/or Course to MBBS at ATBU Bauchi and confirm the update on their CAPS profile before the official closing date,” the statement added.

Kabiru Garba Aminu also urged applicants to ensure their UTME subject combinations align with the MBBS admission requirements, and to save and print their confirmation slips after making any changes.

By Our Correspondent

In a major boost for students facing financial hardship, the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation has announced it will settle all outstanding tuition fees for eligible indigenous students of Gombe State currently studying at Gombe State University (GSU).

The initiative, spearheaded by the foundation’s founder, Engineer Aliyu Mohammed, was revealed in a press release issued on Monday, July 29, 2025.

According to the statement, the intervention will cover both students who have not paid their tuition at all and those who have made only partial payments. The move is expected to bring significant relief to many families struggling to meet the rising cost of education.

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” the statement began, “I wish to inform the general public, especially students and parents across Gombe State, that the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation, under my leadership, will take full responsibility for the payment of outstanding tuition fees for eligible Indigenous students of Gombe State currently studying at Gombe State University.”

Engineer Mohammed emphasized that the gesture should not be seen as an act of charity, but rather “a moral obligation and a strategic investment in the potential of our youth and the development of Gombe State.”

He added that the foundation is working closely with the university authorities to ensure a transparent and well-coordinated disbursement process, and that further details will be released through official channels in the coming days.

“To all affected students: remain focused, stay hopeful, and never stop striving. Your future is valid and worth every support,” the statement concluded.

This announcement has been met with widespread praise across the state, especially among parents and students who see the intervention as a lifeline in the face of economic challenges.

Educational analysts and civil society groups have also applauded the initiative, describing it as a “model for responsible philanthropy” that targets a critical area of need—access to higher education.

As the details unfold, many hope this initiative will not only ease the burden on struggling students but also inspire other well-meaning individuals and organizations to invest in youth development and education across Nigeria.