August 19, 2025 – The Commissioner of Higher Education in Gombe State, Muhammad Shetima Gadam, has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with the Centre for Gender Studies to promote education, gender equality, and community development. Gadam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Builder Ahmed Sa’eed Guli, gave this assurance when a delegation from the Centre, led by its Director, Dr. Aishatu Abubakar Kumo, paid a courtesy visit to his office.
Guli welcomed the team and appreciated the Centre for reaching out to the ministry. He encouraged them to take awareness campaigns beyond formal platforms, saying that using stickers and other publicity methods would help reach rural communities effectively.
He emphasized that grassroots engagement is vital in achieving sustainable development goals and promoting inclusive education.
During the visit, the Director of Administration and Finance, Joab Lapips, commended the progress made by the Centre for Gender Studies. He prayed that “the sky will be their starting point” and urged them to continue with their initiatives despite obstacles. He noted that building strong partnerships in higher education and gender empowerment requires resilience and consistency.
Speaking on behalf of the Centre, Dr. Kumo thanked the ministry for the warm reception. She explained that the visit was aimed at establishing collaboration that would strengthen girl-child education, fight gender-based violence, and promote community enlightenment.
According to her, working with the Ministry of Higher Education will ensure long-term sustainability of gender-focused initiatives in the state.
She outlined the Centre’s short- and long-term objectives. The short-term focus includes community services, training workshops, and health awareness programs in collaboration with ministries such as Health and Primary Health Care.
On the long-term side, Dr. Kumo revealed plans to introduce postgraduate courses in Gender Studies. This, she said, would prepare future professionals to drive policy, social justice, and human rights advocacy.
In attendance at the meeting were the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Abduhakim Mudathir; the Director of Student Affairs, Reuben Ezikel; Senior Assistant Registrar (Academic Office), Gombe State University; and the Principal Assistant Registrar and Administration Secretary of the Centre for Gender Studies, Hussaina Tijjani, alongside other senior officials.
This partnership is seen as a major step toward strengthening higher education, promoting gender equality, and building stronger community engagement in Gombe State.