By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The leader of a women’s group under a youth development movement supporting the House of Representatives aspirant for Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Federal Constituency, Wunan Anthony, has declared strong support for Zakariya Jidda ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as the most suitable candidate to represent the area.
Speaking to journalists in Gombe, Anthony said women and youths across the constituency have resolved to back Jidda’s ambition, adding that they are mobilising to ensure he secures the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket and ultimately wins the election.
She described Jidda as a committed young man with a consistent record of community service, noting that his support for people in need predates his interest in partisan politics.
According to her, this track record has strengthened confidence among supporters that he would bring meaningful development to the constituency if given the mandate.
“We have seen his efforts in supporting women and youths. That is why we believe he is the right person to support. We are confident that if he gets the APC ticket, he will win the election,” she said.
Wunan Anthony further stated that women in Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye are fully mobilised and ready to play a decisive role in his campaign, including grassroots outreach to secure votes.
She added that Jidda’s growing influence in the constituency is driven by his consistent engagement in humanitarian activities, despite not holding any political office.
She also referenced his recognition by the Emir of Funakaye, who conferred on him the traditional title of Jagaban Matasan Funakaye in acknowledgement of his contributions to youth development and community support.
Wunan, however, urged the aspirant to prioritise women empowerment if elected, particularly through skills acquisition programmes and access to startup support to promote self-reliance.
“Women play a key role in society. We are appealing to him to give special attention to empowering women so they can become economically independent,” she added.
She calls on voters in the constituency to support leaders with genuine commitment to public service, insisting that Jidda represents the kind of leadership needed at this time.
[5/6, 2:42 PM] Rabilu Gombe Reporter: Provosts Push for Reforms, Honour Ex-NCCE Boss
By Abubakar Rabilu
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s teacher education sector have called for urgent reforms to reposition Colleges of Education as centres of skills development, innovation and economic growth.
The call was made at the 2nd Annual Conference of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Education, held on April 21, 2026, at the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in Abuja.
A statement issued by the Acting Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Dahiru Gurama, said the conference, themed “Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Colleges of Education System: Integrating Dual Mandate Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship for Educational and Economic Transformation,” highlighted the need to align academic training with practical skills and entrepreneurship in response to evolving labour market demands.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the theme as timely, stressing that Colleges of Education must go beyond theoretical instruction to equip graduates with skills for self-reliance and job creation.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NCCE and other stakeholders to promote policies that support innovation and entrepreneurship in teacher education.
In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of NCCE, Dr Angela Ajala, said prioritising skills acquisition and entrepreneurship is key to transforming Colleges of Education into dynamic institutions capable of producing competent and self-reliant graduates.
Chairman of the Committee of Provosts, Dr Ali Adamu, said the conference was designed to address pressing challenges in the sub-sector while providing a platform for reforms, collaboration and improved institutional performance.
The event also featured the unveiling of a festschrift in honour of the immediate past NCCE Executive Secretary, Prof. Okwelle Paulinus Chijioke, in recognition of his contributions to teacher education in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, Okwelle expressed appreciation for the honour and pledged continued commitment to academic development and mentorship.
Goodwill messages from the President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Dr Lawan Bazza, and the President of the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN), Danladi Ali Msheliza, described the initiative as a step towards strengthening the Colleges of Education system.
A send-off dinner was later held in honour of the former NCCE boss, past and outgoing committee chairmen, as well as 32 retired or outgoing provosts.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Francis Adedayo Faduyile, said the recognition was aimed at celebrating outstanding service and inspiring serving officers to strive for excellence.
Awards were presented to the honourees, while participants called for sustained collaboration to advance teacher education and national development.
