Gov Yahaya Seeks Revival of Northern Educational Heritage, Special Schools to Tackle Out-of-School Menace

The Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, has called for renewed unity and cooperation among northern states to tackle the growing issue of out-of-school children. He proposed the creation of special schools, inspired by the historic Barewa College, to revitalize the educational system and bolster the foundation of northern Nigeria's educational system.

Governor Yahaya made this statement after receiving the national leadership of the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) at the state's Government House, during activities marking the association's 2026 biennial lecture and awards ceremony. He emphasized that the out-of-school children crisis must be addressed within the broader context of food and social security, cultural values, and economic opportunities, as well as the overall wellbeing of the population.

Reflecting on the educational heritage of the north, Governor Yahaya highlighted the sacrifices made by earlier generations to send their children to institutions like Barewa College, and urged the current generation to uphold that legacy by ensuring every Nigerian child has access to quality education. Despite the creation of new states and administrative boundaries, Governor Yahaya stressed that the north remains united through strong social, cultural, and educational ties, which should be preserved through solidarity and collaboration.

He also pledged to present the BOBA's proposal for establishing Barewa extensions in all northern states to the Northern Governors' Forum, which he chairs, for consideration and potential support.