7th October, 2023
Governor Inuwa, Minister of Transport, TETfund Boss, Other Dignitaries in Attendance as Gombe Varsity Holds Combined Convocation
....Idris Mohammed Now Professor Emeritus, As Former SGF, ex-Finance Minister, Gombe 70- Year Old Inventor, Others Receive Honorary Degrees
.... Gombe Governor Charges Varsity To Introduce New Programmes To Meet Skills Requirements Of Emerging Sectors
...Says GSU Tuition Fees To Remain Affordable
Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has tasked Gombe State University to consider introducing new academic programmes tailored towards equipping students with the skills required by the burgeoning industries emerging within the state, especially with the oil exploration at Kolmani and the establishment of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.
He also urged the institution to develop Innovative ways to attract funding through building partnership in order to meet its obligation.
The Governor gave the charge on Saturday, while speaking at the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th combined convocation ceremony of the Gombe State University (GSU) held at the institution's complex.
Recognizing the industrial evolution of Gombe State as the prominent commercial hub within the northeast sub-region, the governor said: “With the commencement of oil exploration in Kolmani, the industrial transformation of Gombe State through the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, and our investment drive across many areas; there is the need for the university to introduce new programs in order to meet the skill requirements in those emerging sectors” he said.
He however emphasized that his administration is fully aware of the challenges being faced by the University, particularly in terms of funding as it seeks to expand its current infrastructure to accommodate the growing demands for higher education and the introduction of new programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Governor Inuwa, who is also the visitor to the university, assured that his administration will continue to support the GSU into a reference point centre for learning and a source of pride to the people of Gombe State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking on the achievements of his administration in the education sector in the previous tenure, the Governor noted that 1,640 classrooms across 350 primary and secondary schools across the state were constructed/ renovated to provide quality education and enhance enrollment of students.
He said the state government under his leadership has equally upgraded 5 secondary schools into mega schools standard with a provision to accommodate 5,000 students each, bringing it to a total of 25,000 combined.
"We equally employed 1000 teachers among other projects. As a result of that development, Gombe State witnessed rapid increase in the percentage of candidates in our public schools who pass the West Africa School Certificate Examination with five credits and above including Maths and English from 28 percent in 2019 to 73 and 78 percent in 2021 and 2022"
As we continue to place premium on higher education, many institutions of higher learning are increasing tuition fees thus putting higher education beyond the reach of the common man. I will like to assure you that we are going to ensure that Gombe State University tuition fees remain within the affordable limit" , he said.
The Governor however stressed that Government alone cannot continuously provide the financial needs of institutions of higher learning hence it has become imperative for the University to develop innovative ways to attract funding through building partnership in order to improve revenue so as to meet its obligation.
He commended the University's Chancellor, pro chancellor, and members of the governing council for their valuable inputs in directing the affairs of the University.
Let's spread happiness.
Special regards to Our Royal Father, The Emir Of Gombe @Emir_of_Gombe Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, I feel honored Your Highness.
Thanks for the kind gesture and hospitality,