Gombe gov’t backs private universities as NEU matriculates 400 students

From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

The Gombe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting private universities as strategic partners in expanding access to quality higher education, as North-Eastern University (NEU), Gombe, matriculated over 400 newly admitted students.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya gave the assurance through the Commissioner for Higher Education, Muhammad Shettima Gadam, at the university’s fourth matriculation ceremony held on campus. He said private tertiary institutions play a critical role in complementing government-owned universities by absorbing growing enrolment pressures while helping to raise academic standards.

According to the governor, the state will continue to create an enabling environment for credible private investors in education whose operations align with quality assurance, discipline, and character development. He urged the newly matriculated students to take full advantage of the opportunity by remaining focused, disciplined, and committed to learning.

Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of NEU, Professor Yusuph Amuda Yahaya, said the university is steadily positioning itself as a centre of academic excellence built on modern infrastructure, qualified manpower, and sound institutional policies. He assured stakeholders that NEU would sustain its commitment to quality teaching, research, and moral upbringing.

Professor Yahaya congratulated the students on securing admission and reminded them that academic success is inseparable from discipline, integrity, and respect for university regulations.

The Founder of the University, Dr. Sani Jauro, said NEU was established to deliver holistic education that combines intellectual development with strong moral values. He disclosed that the institution has introduced free cooking gas for students as part of its welfare and safety initiatives aimed at improving campus life.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari, who represented the Deputy Governor, described private universities as indispensable to widening access to tertiary education. She praised NEU’s emphasis on discipline and character formation and assured the institution of the state government’s continued support.

Traditional leaders, including the Waziri of Yariman Gombe, Alhaji Yaya Hammari, and the District Head of Gombe, Hayatu Bala Magaji, commended the university’s management for providing adequate learning facilities and urged the students to remain law-abiding and focused on their studies.

The ceremony featured the formal swearing-in of students admitted into various academic programmes, as well as the presentation of awards to outstanding students in recognition of academic excellence. Government officials, parents, guardians, and other education stakeholders attended the event, highlighting NEU Gombe’s growing profile within Nigeria’s higher education landscape.