Gombe State has taken a significant step towards becoming a regional hub for higher education as the Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), granted an operational licence for Lincoln University Malaysia, Kumo Campus.
The university’s establishment is the result of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) spearheaded by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, aimed at positioning Gombe as an education hub in the North-East and enhancing opportunities for world-class learning and human capital development.
The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who represented Governor Inuwa Yahaya, received the licence at the NUC Headquarters in Abuja. He was accompanied by the Founder and President of Lincoln University College Malaysia, Prof. Dato Hajah Bibi Florina Abdullahi.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Jatau lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Education, and the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Yusuf Abdullahi Ribadu, for their confidence in the state’s readiness to host the prestigious international institution.
“This approval validates our vision of making Gombe a true citadel of knowledge and a destination for academic excellence in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that Lincoln University Malaysia, Kumo Campus, would serve as a model of research-driven education, focusing on innovation, technology, and global best practices. “Our administration believes universities must become solution centres to social and economic challenges. We are committed to supporting institutions that prioritize research capable of transforming communities and improving lives,” Dr. Jatau emphasized.
In his remarks, Prof. Ribadu congratulated the Gombe State Government and Lincoln University Malaysia, noting that the operational licence was granted under the Transnational Education (TNE) framework. This framework allows foreign universities to operate in Nigeria through collaborative partnerships with local entities.
“Lincoln University Malaysia, Kumo Campus, must maintain the highest international academic standards and emulate its main campus in Malaysia,” he said, adding that the institution was expected to serve as a benchmark for transnational education in Nigeria.
The NUC Executive Secretary disclosed that the university would commence academic activities with three faculties: Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science & Computing, and Faculty of Management and Social Science.
Prof. Dato Hajah Bibi Florina Abdullahi commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his visionary leadership and assured that Lincoln University Malaysia would uphold its global reputation for excellence while contributing to the socio-economic development of Gombe State.
The event was attended by Prof. Sadiq Adamu, Vice-Chancellor of Lincoln University Kumo Campus; Prof. Sani Ahmed Yauta, Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University; Dauda Batari Zambuk, former Commissioner for Higher Education; and other dignitaries.
