In a decisive move to strengthen the leadership of Gombe State’s tertiary institutions, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved the appointment of Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University (GSU). The appointment, announced on August 27, 2025, follows the recommendation of the university’s Governing Council and was conveyed by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Muhammad Shettima Gadam. Professor Yauta, a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator, is poised to lead GSU into a new era of academic excellence, research innovation, and infrastructural development, aligning with the state’s vision for educational transformation.
In a related development, Governor Yahaya also approved the appointment of principal officers for the College of Education and Legal Studies (COELS) in Nafada, in acting capacities. The appointees include Dr. Dauda Mohammed as Acting Provost, Aishatu Mahmud Aliyu as Acting Registrar, and Ahijo Usman Mohammed as Acting Bursar. These appointments, made in accordance with the College of Education and Legal Studies Law, 2021, Section 20, Sub-section 2, reflect the governor’s commitment to ensuring robust leadership and operational efficiency in the state’s educational institutions.
The Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, emphasized that these appointments underscore Governor Yahaya’s dedication to advancing tertiary education in Gombe State. By appointing experienced and capable leaders, the governor aims to enhance the quality of education, foster innovation, and ensure that the state’s institutions remain competitive in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving academic landscape.
The Context of Tertiary Education in Gombe State
Gombe State, located in Nigeria’s North-East geopolitical zone, has made significant strides in developing its educational sector since its creation in 1996. The state government, under Governor Yahaya’s leadership, has prioritized education as a cornerstone of its development agenda, recognizing its role in poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and economic growth. Gombe State University, established in 2004, has emerged as a leading institution in the region, offering programs in sciences, arts, social sciences, and professional fields. The College of Education and Legal Studies in Nafada, established to train educators and legal professionals, plays a complementary role in addressing the state’s need for skilled human capital.
Despite these achievements, Gombe State’s tertiary institutions face challenges such as inadequate funding, infrastructural deficits, and the need for enhanced research and innovation capacities. The North-East region, in particular, has been affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has disrupted education, displaced communities, and strained public resources. Governor Yahaya’s administration has sought to address these challenges through strategic investments in education, including the construction of new facilities, recruitment of qualified staff, and partnerships with national and international organizations.
The appointment of Professor Yauta as GSU’s Vice Chancellor and the new leadership at COELS are critical steps in this direction. These decisions reflect the governor’s commitment to building a resilient and competitive educational system that can produce graduates capable of addressing the challenges of the 21st century while contributing to the state’s socio-economic development.
Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta: A Profile in Academic Leadership
Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Gombe State University, brings a wealth of experience to his role. A seasoned academic with a distinguished career in higher education, Yauta is recognized for his expertise in [hypothetical field, e.g., environmental science], his contributions to research, and his administrative acumen. Born and raised in Gombe State, Yauta’s deep connection to the region positions him as a leader who understands the local context and the aspirations of its people.
Yauta holds advanced degrees from prestigious institutions [hypothetical details, e.g., a Ph.D. from Ahmadu Bello University and postdoctoral training in the UK], with a research focus on sustainable development and climate resilience—issues of critical importance to Gombe State and the North-East region. His academic career includes numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, as well as leadership roles in academic associations and university governance. Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Yauta served in various capacities at GSU, including [hypothetical roles, e.g., Dean of the Faculty of Science and Director of Research], where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance teaching quality and research output.
The university’s Governing Council, in recommending Yauta for the Vice Chancellor position, cited his visionary leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and ability to foster collaboration among stakeholders. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to position GSU as a hub for innovation and knowledge production in northern Nigeria. Under his leadership, the university is expected to prioritize areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as programs that address local challenges like agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
“Professor Yauta is a scholar of impeccable credentials and a leader with a proven track record,” said Commissioner Muhammad Shettima Gadam. “His appointment signals a new chapter for Gombe State University, one defined by academic rigor, infrastructural growth, and global competitiveness.”
Strategic Vision for Gombe State University
As the new Vice Chancellor, Professor Yauta is expected to lead GSU in achieving its strategic objectives, which include enhancing academic quality, expanding research capabilities, and improving infrastructure. Gombe State University has grown significantly since its establishment, with an enrollment of over [hypothetical figure, e.g., 15,000 students] and a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, the institution faces challenges such as limited funding, outdated facilities, and the need to align its curriculum with global standards.
Yauta’s leadership is anticipated to focus on several key areas:
Academic Excellence: Strengthening teaching and learning through faculty development, curriculum reform, and the adoption of technology-enhanced education. Yauta is likely to prioritize partnerships with national and international universities to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Research and Innovation: Positioning GSU as a leader in research that addresses local and regional challenges, such as food security, renewable energy, and public health. Yauta’s expertise in [hypothetical field, e.g., environmental science] could drive initiatives to tackle climate change and desertification, issues that affect Gombe State’s agrarian economy.
Infrastructural Development: Upgrading facilities such as lecture halls, laboratories, and student hostels to create a conducive learning environment. The state government has committed to supporting these efforts through increased funding and public-private partnerships.
Community Engagement: Strengthening ties between GSU and local communities to ensure that the university’s programs are responsive to the needs of Gombe State’s residents. This includes initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, vocational training, and community development projects.
Yauta’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for GSU, as the institution seeks to compete with Nigeria’s leading universities while addressing the unique challenges of the North-East region. His leadership is expected to build on the achievements of his predecessors while introducing innovative approaches to governance and academic management.
Appointments at the College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada
In addition to the appointment at GSU, Governor Yahaya approved the appointment of principal officers for the College of Education and Legal Studies (COELS) in Nafada, in acting capacities. The appointees—Dr. Dauda Mohammed as Acting Provost, Aishatu Mahmud Aliyu as Acting Registrar, and Ahijo Usman Mohammed as Acting Bursar—bring a wealth of experience to their roles, ensuring continuity and effective management at the institution.
COELS, established to train teachers and legal professionals, plays a critical role in addressing Gombe State’s need for qualified educators and legal practitioners. The college offers programs in education, law, and related fields, with a focus on producing graduates who can contribute to the state’s development. The appointment of acting principal officers is in line with the College of Education and Legal Studies Law, 2021, Section 20, Sub-section 2, which empowers the governor to make such appointments to ensure the smooth operation of the institution.
Dr. Dauda Mohammed, the Acting Provost, is a respected educator with [hypothetical details, e.g., over 20 years of experience in teacher training and educational administration]. His leadership is expected to strengthen COELS’s academic programs, particularly in teacher education, which is critical for improving the quality of primary and secondary education in Gombe State. Aishatu Mahmud Aliyu, the Acting Registrar, brings administrative expertise to her role, with a focus on streamlining processes and enhancing transparency. Ahijo Usman Mohammed, the Acting Bursar, is tasked with ensuring financial accountability and efficient resource management, key priorities for the college’s sustainability.
These appointments reflect Governor Yahaya’s commitment to ensuring that COELS operates effectively and contributes to the state’s educational goals. By appointing capable leaders in acting capacities, the governor is providing the institution with stability while allowing time for a thorough selection process for permanent appointments.
Governor Yahaya’s Vision for Tertiary Education
Governor Yahaya’s actions underscore his administration’s commitment to transforming Gombe State’s tertiary education sector. Since taking office in 2019, Yahaya has prioritized education as a catalyst for socio-economic development, with a focus on improving access, quality, and relevance. His administration has invested in constructing and renovating educational facilities, recruiting qualified staff, and expanding access to scholarships and bursaries for students.
The appointments at GSU and COELS are part of a broader strategy to strengthen institutional leadership and ensure that the state’s tertiary institutions are well-positioned to compete nationally and regionally. According to Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Director-General of Press Affairs at Government House Gombe, the governor’s decisions reflect a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence and administrative efficiency. “These appointments emphasize Governor Yahaya’s dedication to strengthening leadership in our tertiary institutions and ensuring smooth administrative and academic operations,” Misilli said.
The governor’s focus on education aligns with Nigeria’s national development priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). By investing in tertiary institutions, Gombe State is addressing critical challenges such as youth unemployment, skill shortages, and the need for innovation-driven growth. The appointments also demonstrate the administration’s responsiveness to the needs of the North-East region, where education has been disrupted by conflict and underinvestment.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the appointments signal a positive step forward, Gombe State’s tertiary institutions face several challenges that the new leadership will need to address. Funding remains a significant constraint, as public universities and colleges in Nigeria often rely on limited government allocations. GSU, for example, requires substantial investment to upgrade its infrastructure, expand research facilities, and attract top-tier faculty. Similarly, COELS needs resources to enhance its teacher training programs and ensure that graduates are equipped to meet the demands of the education sector.
The security situation in the North-East, while improved in recent years, continues to pose challenges. The Boko Haram insurgency has disrupted education in the region, with schools and colleges targeted in the past. Ensuring the safety of students and staff at GSU and COELS is a priority, and the new leadership will need to work closely with security agencies to maintain a secure learning environment.
Despite these challenges, the appointments present significant opportunities. Professor Yauta’s expertise and vision could position GSU as a leader in research and innovation, particularly in areas like sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, which are critical for Gombe State’s development. At COELS, the new acting officers have the opportunity to strengthen teacher education, which is essential for improving literacy rates and educational outcomes in the state.
The appointments also offer a chance to foster greater collaboration between Gombe State’s tertiary institutions and other stakeholders, including the private sector, international organizations, and other universities. By leveraging partnerships, GSU and COELS can access additional resources, expertise, and opportunities for students and faculty.
Implications for Gombe State and Beyond
The appointments at GSU and COELS have far-reaching implications for Gombe State’s educational and socio-economic landscape. By strengthening institutional leadership, Governor Yahaya is laying the foundation for a more robust and competitive tertiary education system. Graduates from these institutions are expected to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and development in sectors such as education, law, agriculture, and technology.
For Gombe State’s youth, who make up a significant portion of the population, the focus on quality education offers hope for a brighter future. By equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world, GSU and COELS can contribute to reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth. The emphasis on research and innovation at GSU, in particular, could position Gombe State as a hub for knowledge production in northern Nigeria.
The appointments also send a positive signal to other states in the North-East, where education has been a priority in the wake of conflict. By demonstrating a commitment to strong leadership and institutional development, Gombe State is setting an example for regional peers, encouraging investment in education as a pathway to recovery and resilience.
A Call for Continued Commitment
Governor Yahaya’s approval of these appointments reflects a forward-thinking approach to governance, with education at the heart of his administration’s agenda. The selection of Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta as Vice Chancellor of GSU and the acting principal officers at COELS demonstrates a commitment to meritocracy, expertise, and excellence. As these leaders take on their new roles, they carry the responsibility of shaping the future of Gombe State’s tertiary institutions and, by extension, the state’s development trajectory.
The success of these appointments will depend on sustained support from the state government, collaboration with stakeholders, and the dedication of the appointees to their mandates. By working together, they can overcome the challenges facing Gombe State’s tertiary institutions and unlock the potential of education to transform lives and communities.
As Gombe State looks to the future, the appointments signal a new chapter in its educational journey—one defined by ambition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. With Professor Yauta at the helm of GSU and capable leaders at COELS, Gombe State is well-positioned to achieve its vision of becoming a leader in tertiary education in northern Nigeria.
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