Aishatu Maigari, Gombe commissioner for education, on Monday urged parents to prioritise enrolment, retention, and completion of school.

“Every child in Gombe deserves to be in the classroom. While enrolment is a crucial step, retention remains a significant challenge,” Ms Maigari said during the inauguration of the 2025/2026 School Enrolment Drive campaign in Gombe.

She thanked education partners and stakeholders for their support, adding that the state had targeted 400,000 children for enrolment into schools, with a minimum target of 20,000 in each of the local government areas.

“We are working through initiatives like AGILE and in partnership with our local government council chairmen to ensure that children stay in school and complete their education,” she said.

Ms Maigari reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhancing access to quality education at all levels.

She also urged parents and guardians to be active partners in the fight against illiteracy, describing their role as invaluable.

“We don’t just want to raise students; we want to raise job creators. We are equipping children with practical skills to ensure they can thrive in the future beyond waiting for white-collar jobs,” she said.

Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, wife of the Gombe State governor, described education as the greatest investment any society can make.

Ms Yahaya said the government would provide grants to 50 schools that successfully enrolled out-of-school children.

“This initiative is a step towards building an inclusive and supportive education system. We must continue to motivate our teachers and ensure the safety of our children,” she said.

She stated that the state government has invested in the construction of classrooms, the provision of learning materials, and infrastructure development to enhance access to quality education.

Babaji Babadidi, chairman of the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), advocated for collaborative efforts among relevant stakeholders to address the challenges.

Also, Ibrahim Jika, coordinator of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Gombe, said the state-led enrolment campaign aligns with the national education priorities.

“Our enrolment drive is a critical endeavour that requires the active participation and engagement of all stakeholders.

“By working together, we can identify and address the challenges that hinder enrolment, develop effective strategies, and ultimately increase access to quality education for all,” Mr Jika said.

(NAN)