Gombe State University (GSU) has matriculated over 200 pioneer students into its newly established Faculty of Environmental Sciences at the Dukku campus, marking a major milestone in the state’s educational development agenda.
The new faculty comprises four academic departments: Architecture, Estate Management, Quantity Surveying and Building Technology.
The matriculation ceremony, held on Wednesday in Dukku, is part of the state government’s strategic effort to decentralize access to quality higher education, following similar initiatives like the recently launched Faculty of Agriculture in Malam-Sidi.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who is the Visitor to the university, was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi.
In his remarks, Prof. Njodi reaffirmed the Yahaya administration’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality education at all levels.
“Education remains a cornerstone of our development agenda. We are proud to support initiatives that expand learning opportunities and raise academic standards across the state,” he said.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continuous support. He reiterated the university’s mission to produce graduates who are both academically sound and morally upright.
“Our focus is on excellence, innovation, and global partnerships to ensure that our graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.
Prof. Yauta also revealed that over 4,000 students of the university have so far benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), a federal government initiative providing financial assistance to students pursuing tertiary education.
Chairman of Dukku Local Government Area, Alhaji Adamu Muhammed Waziri, commended Governor Yahaya for bringing tertiary education closer to the grassroots, noting the socioeconomic benefits of the new campus to the local community.
Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rasheed II, lauded the dual educational strides by both the state and federal governments. He noted the recent approval for a Federal College of Education in Dukku as further testimony of the area’s growing academic relevance.
The event drew attendance from government officials, traditional leaders, academic staff, and community members, all celebrating the new chapter in GSU’s expansion.
