By Our Correspondent

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law a bill establishing a Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State, signaling a major leap in the federal government’s commitment to inclusive education and academic advancement in the North-East.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement during a plenary session of the National Assembly held on Wednesday. He stated that President Tinubu had assented to the amended Federal College of Education Act, 2025, which provides for the creation of a Special Federal College of Education in Dukku.

The bill was sponsored by Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed Bala Kelly, the House of Representatives member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency. He championed the motion on the floor of the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for a specialized institution that caters to the educational development of students with special needs, as well as the general education of future teachers.

Hon. El-Rasheed expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for signing the bill, and appreciated the unwavering support from key stakeholders who played a significant role in the passage of the legislation. These include the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and Senators Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Danjuma Goje, and Anthony Yaro, along with other members of the National Assembly.

He described the establishment of the Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku as a strategic move that will not only boost educational opportunities in Gombe State but also strengthen Nigeria’s efforts toward inclusive education for persons with special needs.

In an interview with journalists, Hon. El-Rasheed called on the people of Dukku to embrace the college and offer it maximum cooperation to ensure its smooth takeoff and sustainable development.

“The establishment of this institution is a dream come true for our constituency. It will create academic and employment opportunities for our people and provide a center for excellence in training teachers, especially those skilled in handling special needs education,” he added.

The college is expected to play a transformative role in bridging educational gaps in the region and reaffirm the federal government’s dedication to equitable access to quality education for all Nigerians.

By Our Correspondent

The National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the educational sector in Adamawa and country at large.

Dr David Shofoyeke, NIEPA’s Director General stated this at the two day inception meeting for the development of 10 years’s Adamawa State Education Strategic Plan (SESP), State Education Sector Operational Plan (SESOP) in Gombe.

Shofoyeke who was represented by Dr Opeyemi Oyekon, Assistant Chief Training and Research fellows said this is to ensure their plans, strategies and policies are not only visionary but actionable and impactful.

“Education remains the bedrock upon which the future of any nation is built. It is the foundation for sustainable development, economic growth and social progress.

“Today, as we gather here, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the educational sector, ensuring that our plans. strategies and policies are not only visionary but actionable and impactful”, he said.

He further urged participants to actively contribute, challenge existing narratives and propose innovative solutions that would drive sustainable change.

“As we embark on this vital journey, let us do so with a shared vision: a vision of an education system that is inclusive, gender responsive, climate resilient and capable of producing future leaders, innovators and change-makers”, he said.

In his address, Dr Garba Pella, Commissioner Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development described the meeting as a vital step towards ensuring education in the state aligned with national standards.

Pella represented by Director Administration, Mr Alhassan Yakubu, assured of continuous partnership and urged participants to contribute positively meaningfully for the development of education and toward successful implementation.

He appreciated government commitment in the education sector and it impacted positively across 21 Local Government Areas in the state.

Mr Stephen Maidugu, Chairman Adamawa Education Working Group in Emergency expressed the need for the contents to align with the state policy documents.

He appealed to the state officials to open up by considering the private schools in the state benefit from government gestures for the benefit of the pupils who were the children of the state.

According to him, some people were seeing private schools as profit ventures instead of seeing them complementing the government for the development of education in the state.

By Our Correspondent

In a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and an inspiring show of commitment to educational advancement, the Kalki Lapan Unity Foundation for Peace and Development on Friday held its maiden Cultural Day and Education Endowment Fundraising event at the Lapan Pilot Science Primary School, located in Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The groundbreaking event aimed to raise N100 million for an education endowment fund and drew a large turnout of traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the Lapan community. Attendees were treated to captivating cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and an exhibition of indigenous artifacts, underscoring the region’s rich heritage.

A Strong Voice for Education

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, Member representing Akko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, former lawmaker Hon. Simon Elisha Karu commended the Foundation for prioritizing education and grassroots development. He described education as the bedrock of a prosperous society and pledged continued support for educational initiatives in the community.

Chief Fundraiser, Dr. Jerry Dammara, represented by Hon. Zubairu Ayala, emphasized the critical role of youth education in national development. He praised the Foundation’s vision and made a generous donation to the endowment fund while calling on well-to-do individuals and political stakeholders to invest in education and cultural promotion for lasting peace and growth.

Highlighting Achievements and Vision

In his opening remarks, the President of the Foundation, Yone Nehemiah—represented by Dr. Joash Samaje—outlined the Foundation’s achievements since its inception in January 2024. These include campaigns against drug abuse, education and entrepreneurship development, legal and financial empowerment, media and cultural promotion, and environmental sustainability.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Salisu Ture Rakum provided a rich historical context of the Lapan people. He applauded the Foundation for its unwavering focus on youth development and educational empowerment.

Commitments from Political Leaders

The Member representing Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency, Dr. Obed Paul Shehu, praised the Lapan community for placing education at the forefront of its development agenda. He revealed that earlier in the day, he had disbursed scholarship funds to students from both Kaltungo and Shongom Local Government Areas and assured the audience of ongoing legislative efforts to improve access to education for underprivileged communities.

Shongom LGA Chairperson, Hon. Dr. Fatima Binta Bello, and her Kaltungo counterpart, Mr. Iliya Sulaiman, jointly stressed the importance of preserving culture while investing in education. Dr. Bello announced a collective donation on behalf of herself and the four LGA Chairmen from Gombe South and urged other communities to emulate Lapan’s development strides.

Traditional Endorsements and Government Support

Representing the Father of the Day, HRH Engr. Saleh Muhammad (the Mai Kaltungo and Deputy Chairman, Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs), Alhaji Abubakar Danzaria, alongside the District Head of Shongom, Mr. Dahiru Alfayo Yusuf, described the event as historic. They lauded the unity and commitment of the Lapan people and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, reiterated the state government’s dedication to improving education and preserving cultural identity. He urged the Lapan people to continue fostering peace and unity within their community and neighboring chiefdoms.

A Festival of Unity and Progress

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Captain Maku F.G. Yurkusi, in his closing remarks, expressed heartfelt appreciation to all participants and contributors, declaring the event a resounding success.

Other notable figures, including Talatu Shuaibu Kabul, Engineer Anda Ayuba Kalas (Madallan Kaltungo), and Abubakar Ahmad (Wakilin Wajen Filiya), delivered goodwill messages and pledged continued support for education in the community.

The Kolki cultural troupe, Laku, a celebrated Tangle music and dance group, provided thrilling entertainment that brought the event to a memorable close.

A Tradition with a Purpose

Beyond the performances and fundraising, the Lapan Cultural Day served as a traditional forum for community dialogue. Locals described the gathering as an age-old platform to deliberate on developmental challenges, particularly in education. Past deliberations, they said, had led to the establishment of schools that produced influential figures across Nigeria.

The Lapan community remains open, hospitable, and inclusive—welcoming all residents regardless of tribe or religion. Their unity and drive continue to attract admiration and support from other ethnic and political stakeholders in the region.

As the sun set on a day of colorful festivities and impactful pledges, the message was clear: the future of Lapan rests in education, culture, and collective action.