NSGF Chairman, Inuwa Yahaya Calls for Decisive Action on Education as North Battles Out-of-School Crisis
By Abdulwahab Muhammad Alphapressmedia.com
Date: 20th January, 2026
Dutse, Jigawa State — The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has issued a strong call for collective and decisive action to tackle the deepening crisis of inequitable access to quality basic education in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking as Chairman of the Occasion at the 12th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture on Leadership and Good Governance, held in Dutse, Jigawa State, Governor Yahaya warned that the future of the region is at stake if bold steps are not taken.
The lecture, themed “Equitable Access to Quality Basic Education in Northern Nigeria – A Time for Real Action”, was described by the Governor as timely and reflective of the enduring legacy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello. He emphasized that education remains the strongest pillar for unity, development, and prosperity in the North and Nigeria at large.
Governor Yahaya highlighted disturbing figures:
Nigeria has over 18 million out-of-school children, with 70% in Northern Nigeria.
Literacy rates in some Northern states remain below 30%.
Girl-child school attendance and basic literacy/numeracy outcomes are still critically low.
He stressed that education challenges must remain at the top of the agenda for Northern leaders.
The NSGF Chairman disclosed that Northern Governors have prioritized education through collaboration with UBEC, development partners, and donor agencies. He also announced the establishment of the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, designed to provide sustainable financing for coordinated security efforts to protect schools and learning environments.
Governor Yahaya revealed that the Forum, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, has launched initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Forum 2025 and state-level workshops on foundational learning.
In Gombe State, he outlined reforms including:
Declaration of a state of emergency on education.
Establishment of a high-level task force for basic education revitalization.
Rollout of a ₦13.5 billion School Improvement Grant to upgrade facilities in 442 secondary schools.
Enrollment of 450,000 out-of-school children between 2019 and 2025.
Expansion of higher education with new university campuses.
Scholarships, exam fee coverage, and rebuilding of special needs schools.
Governor Yahaya announced reforms within the NSGF, including the establishment of a strengthened secretariat headed by a full-time Director-General, Mr. Ezekiel Gomos, to enhance coordination and ensure a unified Northern voice on development issues.
The Governor congratulated recipients of the 2026 Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Awards, describing them as worthy ambassadors of integrity, service, and excellence.
Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, praised Yahaya’s leadership, particularly the establishment of the Security Trust Fund and reforms to strengthen the Forum.
Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Chairman of the SABMF Board of Trustees and former Governor of Niger State, commended Yahaya’s bold initiatives to reposition the NSGF Secretariat.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, served as the Special Guest of Honour and lauded the efforts of the Foundation and the Forum.
This lecture underscores the urgency of addressing Northern Nigeria’s education crisis. With millions of children out of school and literacy rates alarmingly low, the NSGF’s initiatives—anchored on security, infrastructure, and inclusive governance—could mark a turning point if sustained with collective will.
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