Do not sabotage government efforts—Gombe Education Commissioner tells parents

From Laraba Usman, Gombe

The Gombe State Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Maigari, has appealed to parents and guardians across the state to support the government’s ongoing campaign for universal basic education, warning that refusal to enroll children in school amounts to sabotaging massive investments already made in the education sector.

Speaking at the 2025/2026 School Enrollment Drive Campaign held at Amada, headquarters of the Gona Emirate in Akko Local Government Area, Maigari said the state government has made significant provisions to ensure that every child receives free, quality education.

“We cannot continue to fold our arms while our children roam the streets; the government has done its part.

“We have provided exercise books, school bags, and other materials. Parents must not sabotage these efforts by keeping their children at home,” she said.

The commissioner emphasised that the goal of the enrollment campaign goes beyond placing children in classrooms.

According to her, education is the foundation for building future leaders, entrepreneurs, and employers of labour.

“If you are educated, foes not mean you must work for the government; an educated person can build something bigger.

“Through education, children can acquire both knowledge and entrepreneurship skills that prepare them to be self-reliant,” she added.

Maigari also disclosed that the state would conduct house-to-house mobilisation to identify out-of-school children and ensure they are enrolled, noting that the target has now been increased to 400,000 from the initial 250,000 set by UNICEF.

Also speaking, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, reinforced the importance of universal education, describing access to learning as a basic right of every child.

“We urge all stakeholders, parents, teachers, and community leaders, to rise to the occasion. No child should be denied the right to a better future,” Dr. Rafique stated.

Mr. Babaji Babadidi, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB),
said any parent found guilty of keeping a school-age child out of the classroom could face up to two months’ imprisonment, in line with the state’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to basic education.