Gombe Equips 300 Students with Entrepreneurial Skills to Tackle Malnutrition, Build Self-Reliance

By Laraba Usman

In a bold move to nurture a new generation of young entrepreneurs, the Gombe State Government has trained 300 secondary school students in the production, packaging, and marketing of “Garin Inuwa locally made, nutritious complementary food to fight malnutrition.

Prof. Aishatu Maigari, Comissioner of Education disclosed this in an interview with our reporter that the initiative, which spans 10 selected schools across the three senatorial districts, is not only addressing a critical public health issue but also empowering students with entrepreneurial skills that promote self-reliance and innovation.

Prof. Maigari, aid the Programme is a direct reflection of Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision to transform the education sector into a hub for human capital development.

“We are teaching our students how to be producers, not just consumers, they are learning how to identify a need in society, develop a product, measure, brand, and even market it, this is entrepreneurship in action.” she said.

“Through practical training, students are taught to produce Garin Inuwa in adequate proportions to meet the dietary needs of malnourished children,

Also they have established a Nutrition Clubs across the schools , where students apply their knowledge in chemistry, biology, and home economics to address real-life problems.

“They are encouraged to adopt nearby primary health care Centres where they donate the nutritional products and engage with health professionals.

“This is a total learning experience, science, business, social impact, and career exposure all rolled into one,” Maigari explained.

“We are not just raising students; we are grooming future innovators, agripreneurs, and social entrepreneurs who can use what’s around them to solve what’s within them.” She added.

Prof. Maigari said the programme includes collaboration with the Ministry of Health, which helps the students understand signs of malnutrition, sanitation practices, and offers career talks that expose them to paths beyond traditional roles, such as becoming dieticians, nutritionists, or health entrepreneurs.

Also, supporting structures like school farms and vegetable gardens are part of the initiative, these gardens supply raw materials for the feed production and teach students about agricultural entrepreneurship and sustainability.