The Gombe State Government has signed a Public-Private Partnership agreement with the Lincoln University College of Malaysia, to support academic activities at the Gombe State University of Science and Technology Kumo.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, signed on behalf of the Gombe State Government while the Founder and President of the Lincoln University College of Malaysia, Professor Amiya Bhaumik signed on behalf of his Institution.
The Gombe State University of Science and Technology Kumo, was established on 21st August 2017 through the issuance of a licence by the National Universities Commission, but full academic activities could not commence, due to some reasons.
Development of learning
Consequently, the Malaysian University is to contribute to the management and development of learning and research activities at the institution in accordance with the current global science and technological innovations for competitive and competent skills acquisition for our graduates.
Based on the proposal, the Malaysian University is to run the institution on a Public-Private-Partnership arrangement for 30 years at the first instance.
Within the plan, Lincoln University College will establish six new faculties, including Medical Sciences to provide Dentistry, Nursing, Medicine and Surgery programmes, 47 programmes in all to be run by the University, which are 21 First Degree programmes, 18 Masters Degrees, six PhD and two other certificate courses.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said the agreement would strengthen the curriculum and curricular activities of the institution to international standards and best practices.
Sound education
He described the agreement as historic.
“This administration thought it wise to engage a reputable, experienced and capable private educational investor. It will also ensure the provision of adequate funding, continuous infrastructural maintenance, development of facilities and services within the institute, This is part of our vision to provide sound education to our teeming youths for productive and capital development,” said Governor Yahaya.
Governor Yahaya said it was resolved that the profits accrued from the partnership entitled to Gombe State Government would be 10%, 20% and 30% corresponding to the first, second and third 10 years of operations.
He said the rest of the profit would be extensively used for the earmarked developments and running of the school affairs.
According to Governor Yahaya, 25% of all academic staff positions and 70% of non-academic staff will be for Gombe State indigenes, while Gombe State indigenes will be offered 20% cent quota for admission of students.
“In respect of school fees payment, our students are to enjoy up to 50% cost reduction. This is to encourage them to partake in this would-be state of the art learning centre,” said Governor Yahaya.
Achieving the partnership
He thanked Nigerian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mrs. Hajarah Ibrahim Salim, for her efforts in achieving the partnership, as well as the Malaysian High Commissioner to Nigeria, the President and Management of Lincoln University for enabling the PPP come to reality.
The President and Founder of Lincoln University College of Malaysia, Professor Amiya Bhaumik, said the University would start with medical science courses, expressing the hope that the citizens of Gombe State could take advantage of the opportunity provided.
Professor Bhaumik said academic activities were expected to kick off by September 2022, thereby calling for maximum support for everybody to actualize the dream.
“I am here not for profit or loss but to seek for your prayers and support. Lincoln University will deliver quality education to bridge the inflow of Nigerian students going to Malaysia and other countries to study,” the President said.
Support every move
The Deputy Executive Director, Administration of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki said the commission would support every move at the university to make the take-off of the University successful.
The speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggere who gave assurance that the House will support the University with enabling legislations to guarantee its smooth take-off and eventual operation in the State.
The Nigerian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mrs. Hajara Salim, said the signing of the Public-Private Partnership to scale up academic activities at the University of Science and Technology Kumo was a clear testament of Governor Yahaya’s political wisdom in ensuring a lasting and meaningful legacy.
Lateefah Ibrahim
