…Pledges to Take Special Schools Proposal to Northern Governors’ Forum as BOBA Hails Gombe’s Developmental Transformation
By Abdulwahab Muhammad, SSA Communication
GOMBE, November 6, 2026 — Worried by the growing challenge of out-of-school children and its implications for security, poverty and the future of Northern Nigeria, Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has called for a bold regional educational revival inspired by the historic legacy of Barewa College.
The Governor is proposing the establishment of special schools across Northern states, modelled after the prestigious institution, as part of a coordinated strategy to restore educational excellence, strengthen regional unity and provide greater learning opportunities for children.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya unveiled the proposal when he received the national leadership of the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA), led by its President, Major General Alwali Jauji Kazir (rtd), at the Government House, Gombe.
The visit formed part of activities marking the association’s 2026 Biennial Lecture and Awards Ceremony, being hosted by Gombe State.
Speaking against the backdrop of the educational challenges confronting Northern Nigeria, the Governor warned that the problem of out-of-school children must not be treated merely as an educational concern, but as a broader developmental challenge with far-reaching consequences for national security, economic prosperity and social stability.
He argued that meaningful solutions must address the interconnected challenges of poverty, food insecurity, cultural values, limited economic opportunities and the general wellbeing of families.
Reflecting on the educational achievements of earlier generations, Inuwa Yahaya recalled how Northern communities made enormous sacrifices to send their children to institutions such as Barewa College, which became renowned for producing generations of leaders and professionals.
He maintained that the region must rediscover the spirit of collective responsibility that once made education a shared priority, irrespective of geographical or administrative boundaries.
According to him, the creation of additional states should not weaken the historical, cultural and educational relationships that have long united Northern communities.
“BOBA can design a framework for establishing Barewa extensions in all the states of the North, with similar institutions sharing the philosophy of Barewa College,” the Governor proposed.
In what could mark an important step towards regional educational cooperation, Governor Inuwa Yahaya pledged to present the proposal, alongside other resolutions emerging from the BOBA conference, to the Northern Governors’ Forum for consideration and possible collective action.
He reaffirmed Gombe State’s readiness to collaborate with the association and other relevant institutions in advancing educational opportunities, human capital development and social progress.
The Governor also highlighted Gombe’s longstanding tradition of accommodating students from different parts of Nigeria, describing educational inclusion as an important instrument for strengthening national unity.
He encouraged members of the visiting delegation to inspect ongoing development projects across the state to gain firsthand insight into his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and public services.
BOBA HAILS GOMBE AS MODEL OF PROGRESSIVE GOVERNANCE
Earlier, the National President of the Barewa Old Boys Association, Major General Alwali Jauji Kazir (rtd), described Gombe State as an emerging model of progressive governance in the Northeast, applauding Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership and development initiatives.
The retired military officer said the association’s decision to host its 2026 Biennial Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Gombe was deliberate, reflecting the state’s strategic importance and the relevance of its development experience to the conference’s discussions.
He particularly commended the administration’s investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and human capital development, describing them as important foundations for long-term economic growth and social stability.
“Your administration’s developmental roadmap is highly commendable. You have deployed a clear strategic vision in revitalising the educational sector, expanding healthcare infrastructure and executing robust public works that have fundamentally modernised Gombe State,” Kazir stated.
The BOBA President further praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership of the Northern Governors’ Forum, particularly his efforts to strengthen cooperation among Northern states in addressing insecurity and promoting economic recovery.
He cited the establishment of the Northern Nigerian Security Trust Fund as an example of the collective approach required to confront the region’s security challenges.
Kazir described the Governor as a consensus builder whose leadership has continued to encourage dialogue, unity and cooperation on issues affecting Northern Nigeria.
The high-profile visit attracted several distinguished personalities, including former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido; Emeritus Professor Idris Mohammed; and other prominent members of the Barewa Old Boys Association.
A PROPOSAL WITH REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS
Beyond the ceremonial significance of the BOBA gathering, Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s proposal has brought renewed attention to the need for a coordinated response to Northern Nigeria’s educational challenges.
Although the proposed special schools remain subject to further consideration, the initiative presents an opportunity for Northern states to explore a common educational framework that combines academic excellence, social integration and expanded access to learning.
With the Governor pledging to take the proposal to the Northern Governors’ Forum, attention may now shift to whether the region’s political leadership can translate the vision into practical policies and sustainable educational investments.
For Northern Nigeria, the larger question is no longer simply how to preserve the legacy of institutions such as Barewa College, but how to recreate their educational opportunities for a new generation of children whose future depends on access to quality education.
ALPHAPRESSMEDIA
