ABUJA, Nigeria – The Gombe State Government has renewed its collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to tackle the state’s rising number of out-of-school children, signing a comprehensive Framework of Action on Monday.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya formalised the agreement during a strategic meeting with UNICEF’s Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, at the Government House in Gombe.
The framework outlines four priority areas: Engaging political actors to drive policy change, strengthening best practices and alternative education models, boosting community accountability and mobilization, leveraging technology and innovation for equitable, quality education.
Calling the situation a “national emergency,” Yahaya said insecurity and displacement in the North-East had intensified the crisis. “Gombe State has become home to thousands of internally displaced persons from neighbouring states. While we integrate them, this has further strained our educational resources,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to providing counterpart funding and highlighted local interventions, such as Garin Inuwa, a homegrown food supplement designed to combat child malnutrition. He said the goal is to halve the state’s out-of-school population by 2030.
Dr. Rafique commended the state’s political will and measurable progress, pledging UNICEF’s continued support. “We will provide psychosocial services and improve access to basic amenities to ensure children can learn in safe, supportive environments,” she said
