The Gombe State Government has renewed and expanded its partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in a bold push to slash the number of out-of-school children by half before 2030.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya yesterday signed a comprehensive Framework of Action at the Government House, Gombe, during a strategic engagement with UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique. The framework focuses on four priority areas — engaging political actors, strengthening best practices, mobilising communities, and leveraging technology and innovation to improve access to quality learning.
Calling the situation a “national emergency,” Governor Yahaya said insecurity and mass displacements in the North-East had compounded the education crisis.
“Gombe State has become home to thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from neighbouring states. While we welcome and integrate them, this has further strained our educational resources.
Our target is clear: to reduce the number of out-of-school children in Gombe by at least half before 2030. We are fully committed to this goal and will continue to meet all counterpart funding obligations and work closely with UNICEF and other partners.”
He also spotlighted the state’s locally developed nutrition innovation, the Garin Inuwa model — a food supplement designed to combat child malnutrition.
“We must take ownership of our solutions. ‘Garin Inuwa’ is one such example where local resources are harnessed to address critical health needs,” he said.
Commending the state’s “strong political will,” Dr. Rafique said:
“Your Excellency, Gombe State continues to set the pace in Northern Nigeria. Your development trajectory is exemplary; from the passage of the Child Rights Act and Disability Law to your proactive response in education and health. UNICEF is proud to partner with Gombe, and we will continue to complement your efforts, including psychosocial support and expanding access to basic services.”
She also lauded the state’s consistent payment of counterpart funding and urged increased child-focused investments to consolidate gains.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, key commissioners, and senior government advisers.
