Education
Disconnect Between Gombe State Government and GSU’s Needs Threatens University’s Progress
By Aliyu Abubakar (PhD)
A growing disconnect between the Gombe State government and Gombe State University (GSU) has come under scrutiny, as staff and students grapple with unresolved issues affecting their welfare and the quality of education. Despite the administration’s attempts to shift blame onto the previous PDP-led government, critics argue that the current administration’s priorities are misaligned with the university’s most urgent needs.
The government has recently come under fire for its emphasis on infrastructural developments, such as the construction of GSU’s Dukku Campus and a new School of Nursing. While these projects are touted as significant achievements, many argue that they fail to address the more pressing challenges related to staff welfare and the governance of GSU. The university staff, represented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have voiced concerns over low salaries, inadequate staff development programs, and a lack of engagement in meaningful dialogue with university stakeholders.
In a statement, Dr. Aliyu Abubakar criticized the government’s handling of GSU’s issues, calling its claims of reducing the tax burden on staff “misleading.” While the administration has highlighted tax cuts as an achievement, Dr. Abubakar pointed out that these reductions do little to improve the financial situations of GSU staff, who remain among the lowest-paid university workers in the country. He described the tax relief as an “empty gesture,” noting that the fundamental problem of poor salaries remains unaddressed.
“The government is celebrating token achievements while ignoring the larger picture. You can’t claim to have lightened the load when staff are still underpaid and struggling,” said Dr. Abubakar.
Staff welfare has become a flashpoint in the ongoing dispute between the government and ASUU, with the union accusing the administration of neglecting its most important resource—its people. While the government has invested heavily in physical infrastructure, ASUU contends that insufficient attention has been paid to human capital development, such as staff training and research capabilities.
“Universities are not just buildings; they are centers of learning and innovation driven by the quality of their staff and students,” Dr. Abubakar explained. “The administration’s obsession with infrastructure, while neglecting staff development, is a serious oversight that will ultimately harm the quality of education at GSU.”
The rift between ASUU and the state government deepened when the union embarked on a strike, citing unresolved grievances. The government’s claim that ASUU went on strike without sufficient communication has been dismissed by the union, which insists that the administration has failed to engage in meaningful dialogue to address their concerns. This lack of collaboration has extended the strike, leading to significant disruptions in academic activities and placing further strain on the university community.
In its defense, the government has accused ASUU of acting against the interests of students, but Dr. Abubakar refutes this claim. “ASUU’s actions are about securing a better future for the students. Improving staff welfare and working conditions directly impacts the quality of education, which benefits students the most,” he said. “The administration’s neglect of these core issues shows a lack of commitment to the students’ well-being.”
As the university remains embroiled in this crisis, the call for the government to shift its focus from political blame games and infrastructural achievements to addressing the root causes of the university’s challenges grows louder. Staff welfare, salary reform, and staff development are seen as critical factors in ensuring that GSU provides the high-quality education that students deserve.
The current administration’s failure to prioritize these issues highlights a clear disconnect between the government’s agenda and the needs of GSU’s community. Without a renewed focus on collaboration and long-term investment in human capital, critics warn that the future of GSU—and the quality of education it provides—may remain uncertain.
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.
Donation
Relief for Students: Velocity Foundation to Pay Outstanding Tuition for Gombe Indigenes at GSU
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.
-
Leadership12 months agoBreaking: African Union Appoints Pantami as Co-Chair of the 4th Industrial Revolution Policy Council
-
Politics1 year agoFormer Gombe State APC Promoters Forum Chairman Attacked Following Political Commentary
-
Appointment10 months agoGombe State Indigene, Appointed New Vice Chancellor (ATBU)
-
Health1 year agoGombe State Organizes Onboarding Workshop for Private Healthcare Facilities
-
Water1 year agoGombe Government Mobilizes Stakeholders to Combat Illegal Water Connections
-
Death5 months agoProminent Nigerian Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Sa’idu Hassan Jingir, Passes Away
-
Politics1 year agoGombe State Inaugurates Human Capital Development Council
-
Politics1 year agoGombe State Launches Presidential Palliative Program (PPP) to Aid Small Businesses