The Gombe State Commissioner for Education, Aishatu Umar Maigari, says the state’s education sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the last six years under the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Maigari told Voice of Nigeria in Gombe that the progress recorded followed a comprehensive Needs Assessment conducted by the Governor prior to assuming office in 2019.
She said “the assessment covered all segments of the sector from basic and secondary education to tertiary, Almajiri and Tsangaya systems, leading to a well-defined Education Blueprint that has guided reforms across both tenures.”
“The Governor developed a clear plan even before taking office, and we have been working strictly in line with that blueprint. This has now been complemented by a 10-year Development Agenda (2021–2030), which continues to drive our interventions,” Maigari explained.
Major Achievements
According to the Commissioner, the Yahaya administration has invested heavily in infrastructure, teacher recruitment and institutional development, with over 1,000 teachers employed for senior secondary schools, while mega colleges and new faculties have been established at Gombe State University.
Other achievements include; the revamping of basic education, prompt payment of WAEC fees, and a marked improvement in students’ performance from 21% in 2019 to over 70% of candidates now obtaining five credits, including English and Mathematics.
Maigari said that the state’s NECO results for 2025 also indicated another impressive performance, with over 90% of candidates scoring five credits and above.
Tackling Out-of-School Challenge
The Commissioner acknowledged that Gombe, being one of the most peaceful states in the North-East, has experienced population pressure due to the influx of displaced persons from insurgency-affected areas.
This, she said, had strained resources and contributed to the rising number of out-of-school children, estimated at over 700,000.
To address the challenge, Maigari said; “the government intensified its enrolment drive campaign, partnering with UBEC, SUBEB and UNICEF on a 30-day sensitisation and advocacy initiative for the 2025/2026 academic year.”
“We are working to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 50% by 2030, but in Gombe we have made it more ambitious. Last year, 110,000 children were enrolled or re-enrolled, and this year we have surpassed 130,000. Our new target is 20,000 per LGA, that’s 220,000 children,” she stated.
Maigari explained that “the campaign was being implemented through community-based engagement, with traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and education marshals all playing critical roles.”
Commitment to Data and Planning
Maigari emphasised that accurate data remained central to planning, noting that current statistics show 50% of out-of-school children are between the ages of three and five, while the remaining half fall between six and seventeen.
She said; “the Ministry was working closely with UBEC to ensure prompt payment of counterpart funding, a commitment that has earned Governor Yahaya commendation from the Federal Ministry of Education.”
Promoting Agriculture and Climate Education
The Commissioner said under the Governor’s Gombe Goes Green project, schools now operate Green Corners and participate in environmental and agricultural initiatives.
She said many schools maintain school farms, while students join Climate Change Clubs and the international Globe Club.
She said; “the state is integrating agricultural and vocational skills into the new national curriculum to ensure students acquire practical skills alongside academic knowledge.”
Reforms in Private Schools
Maigari disclosed that the Ministry had introduced reforms to address exploitation in some private schools, especially regarding uniforms, textbooks and graduation ceremonies.
“We met with all associations of private school owners to set new standards. Textbooks must now be separate from workbooks so parents can reuse them for younger children. We have also curtailed exploitative graduation practices that burden parents,” she said.
Innovative “Sign-Out” Tradition
In response to unruly “sign-out” celebrations by school leavers, the Ministry introduced a creative alternative designated “Sign-Out Walls” where students can leave inspirational messages and artwork.
“Instead of defacing school property, students now express themselves positively,” Dr Maigari said.
She said; “Some schools even display the photos of top JAMB performers to motivate others. We’re changing the mindset from negative behaviour to constructive expression.”
Cleaning Up the System
The Commissioner said the state had also suspended the registration of new private schools as part of a wider reform and data verification exercise. Many long-standing schools, she revealed, had been operating for decades without certification or tax compliance.
“We have given them until 30th October to regularise their operations. After that, we will reopen registration with a verified database,” she explained.
A People-Centred Approach
Maigari reaffirmed that Governor Yahaya’s administration remains committed to delivering inclusive, equitable and quality education to every child in Gombe.
“Our slogan this year is simple, ‘Every Child in Gombe Still Belongs in the Classroom,” the Commissioner added.
PIAK