The Gombe State Government has approved the allocation of 365 hectares of land for the newly established Faculty of Agriculture at the Gombe State University (GSU) Malam Sidi Campus.
The approval was announced by the Gombe State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation, Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, who made the announcement while briefing journalists after the 49th State Executive Council (SEC) Meeting, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Shedding more light on the issue, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Dr. Barnabas Malle, said the decision reinforced the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and promoting agricultural innovation.
Dr. Malle said the land, located in Garin Tafida, Yamaltu Deba LGA, would serve as a demonstration farm and a practical training site for students, which would help the faculty meet the accreditation requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The commissioner recalled that the State Executive Council had, on 26th May 2025, given the approval for the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture as a step to support academic programmes and diversify the agricultural landscape in the state.
Also, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Muhammad Shettima Gadam, announced that admissions into five courses of the faculty had been cleared by the NUC and that academic activities were expected to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.
He further revealed that additional land in Kurugu, Kwami LGA, had been secured to support future expansion of the faculty.
“His Excellency is committed to expanding access to quality education and ensuring that our youth are equipped with the right skills and experiences,” Gadam said.
Solar Street Lights for Gombe Township Roads
In another development, the SEC approved the installation of solar-powered street lights on newly constructed township roads across the state capital to improve security and boost the local economy.
The Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Tourism, Mr. Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, disclosed that the contract, valued at ₦1.068 billion, had been awarded to Sigma Electric Nigeria Ltd, with an eight-week completion timeline.
“The project will enhance security, promote night-time business activities, and improve the overall aesthetics of the city,” Aliyu stated.
Committee to Address Water Supply Challenges
On the persistent issue of water shortage in Gombe metropolis, the SEC set up a high-powered committee chaired by the Deputy Governor to tackle production, supply, and revenue generation concerns.
The Commissioner for Environment, Water and Forest Resources, Saidu Mohammed Fawu, revealed that since 2019, the Inuwa Yahaya administration has invested over ₦9 billion in water production, distribution, and maintenance.
However, he noted that only ₦140 million has been generated in revenue within the period, describing it as “grossly inadequate for sustaining operations.”
“While Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration remains committed to investing in water supply, revenue generation will now be prioritised through a review of the water billing system,” Fawu explained.
He further confirmed that all booster stations have been completed and are currently being managed by a contractor, with plans underway to engage a reputable company for full operational management until stable water supply is achieved across Gombe metropolis and its environs.