Gombe State University (GSU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s vision of harnessing the state’s vast mineral wealth, particularly the Kolmani oil reserves, by producing the skilled manpower needed to drive economic transformation.
Speaking in Gombe, the newly confirmed Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Sani Ahmad Yauta, said the university is expanding its academic scope to prepare graduates who can take advantage of opportunities in petroleum, engineering, and applied sciences. He emphasized that GSU is determined to play a strategic role in ensuring the people of Gombe State derive maximum benefits from the Kolmani hydrocarbon discoveries.
“GSU is not only committed to producing quality graduates but is also expanding into vital fields such as engineering, petroleum exploration, and applied sciences, so that our youths are well-prepared to seize the opportunities Kolmani presents,” Yauta said.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed deep appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his consistent support, highlighting the approval for the establishment of a Faculty of Environmental Sciences in Dukku and a Faculty of Agriculture in Malam Sidi. He noted that these initiatives are part of the Governor’s broader vision to widen access to higher education while building a knowledge base that directly supports the state’s socio-economic development.
Yauta disclosed that GSU had also been allocated 365 hectares of land in Garin Tafida, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, to drive large-scale commercial agriculture. According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce overdependence on government funding, move the university toward financial self-sufficiency, and create jobs while contributing to food security. He further revealed ongoing collaborations with Michigan State University in the United States and other international partners to build a world-class Faculty of Agriculture.
“Our goal is to reduce reliance on government subventions by building alternative revenue streams such as commercial agriculture. This will not only strengthen our finances but also create employment opportunities for our people,” he explained.
On infrastructure, the VC announced that GSU had been selected among 18 Nigerian universities to benefit from a ₦4 billion Federal Government grant. The funds, he explained, will be channeled into the construction of lecture theatres, laboratories, and hostels, alongside the modernization of existing facilities to meet the demands of a growing student population.
Reflecting on the university’s growth since its establishment in 2004, Yauta noted that GSU, which marked its 20th anniversary in 2024, has made remarkable progress in infrastructure, academic programmes, and graduate output. He cited a recent tracer study showing that GSU graduates are well-represented across ministries, departments, and agencies in the state, underscoring the institution’s pivotal role in human capital development.
Looking ahead, the VC pledged to consolidate these achievements while positioning the university as a center of excellence in the Northeast. He said GSU’s vision is to not only produce competent graduates but also foster research, innovation, and partnerships that will sustain the region’s development aspirations.
“With continued government support, international partnerships, and the goodwill of our people, Gombe State University will stand tall on the global academic map,” he affirmed.
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