Gombe Governor Lauds Tinubu for Approving Degree Programmes at FCE (T)

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the commencement of degree programmes at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe, describing it as a significant step in strengthening the institution’s capacity to train future professionals.

Governor Yahaya made this statement while receiving the Governing Council and Management of the College during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Gombe.

He emphasized the critical role of education in national development, noting that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its youthful population. He called on the college’s management to seize this opportunity by designing high-quality degree programmes aligned with the country’s industrial and technological needs.

“We have the numbers—about 65% of our population are youths under the age of 30. If given the right training and empowerment, they will drive development and reduce our dependence on foreign nations for skilled labor,” the governor stated.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education at all levels, Governor Yahaya highlighted key initiatives such as the establishment of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at Gombe State University’s Dukku campus and ongoing collaborations with Michigan University for a Faculty of Agriculture.

“We are ready to support the college and give it the necessary push to enhance its impact,” he assured.

Governor Yahaya also referenced his administration’s extensive gully erosion control project, which spans 22 kilometers across multiple communities, including areas around FCE (T) Gombe. He affirmed plans to further develop infrastructure within the college.

He directed the Commissioner for Higher Education to engage with the institution’s leadership to identify priority areas for intervention.

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Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Lazarus Gaza, praised Governor Yahaya’s substantial investments in education and his unwavering support for federal tertiary institutions in the state.

“Our visit aims to solidify our partnership with the host community for mutual benefits,” he noted.

Dr. Gaza highlighted the integration of skill and vocational training into the college’s curriculum to promote self-reliance.

He also announced the institution’s readiness to independently offer degree programmes, further expanding its academic scope.

Describing Governor Yahaya as a “Teacher-Friendly Governor,” Dr. Gaza commended his efforts in establishing Mega Schools in each senatorial district to combat the out-of-school children crisis.

In his remarks, the Provost of the College, Professor Ali Adamu, mni, expressed the institution’s eagerness to collaborate with the state government on vocational skills training, particularly to empower Gombe’s youth.

Governor Yahaya’s commitment to supporting tertiary education reinforces his administration’s broader vision of enhancing educational access and quality across the state.