In a landmark development for Nigeria’s North-East region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law two bills establishing a Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Billiri and a Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku, both located in Gombe State. The presidential assent, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, marks a significant federal intervention aimed at enhancing access to specialized healthcare and inclusive education for millions in the region.
The establishment of these two critical institutions is being hailed as a historic gesture that will create jobs, stimulate economic development, and fundamentally improve the quality of life in Gombe and its neighbouring states.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Special Needs Education
The new Federal College of Education (Special), Dukku, is the first of its kind in northern Nigeria and is designed specifically to address a severe national shortfall in inclusive education. The institution’s primary mandate is to train a new generation of teachers equipped with the specialized skills needed to support learners with disabilities and other special needs.
For years, children with disabilities in the region have been underserved due to a lack of trained educators and appropriate facilities. This new college aims to change that narrative by:
- Nurturing Specialised Educators: It will offer dedicated programs to produce highly skilled teachers who can create inclusive and effective learning environments.
- Promoting Educational Equity: By focusing on special needs, the college will help ensure that every child, regardless of their physical or learning challenges, has access to quality education.
- Serving as a Regional Hub: The college is expected to attract students and educators from across the country, positioning Gombe as a national centre of excellence for inclusive education.
The bill for the college was sponsored by Representative Abdullahi El-Rasheed, whose efforts were lauded by state and federal leaders.
Bringing Specialized Healthcare Closer to the People
The establishment of the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Billiri, is a direct response to the immense pressure on existing orthopaedic facilities in Nigeria. Currently, patients from the North-East with severe trauma, bone injuries, and joint issues often have to travel long and arduous distances to receive specialized care at centers in Kano, Enugu, or Lagos.
This new hospital will provide advanced orthopaedic and trauma care, significantly cutting down travel time and costs for patients in Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, and Taraba states. It is expected to drastically improve healthcare outcomes by providing timely and expert intervention for victims of road accidents, security-related injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions. The bill for the hospital’s establishment was sponsored by Representative Ali Isa J.C.
A Testament to Responsive Leadership
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu, describing the presidential assent as a demonstration of responsive and inclusive leadership.
“These institutions will not only enhance access to quality education and specialized healthcare but will also create employment opportunities and stimulate development in our dear state.”
Governor Yahaya pledged his administration’s full and unwavering support to ensure the smooth takeoff of both institutions, emphasizing that their presence will complement the state’s own ongoing efforts to strengthen the education and health sectors. He also praised the leadership of the National Assembly and the bill sponsors for their vision and dedication.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his announcement, also highlighted the broader impact of the institutions, noting that education is a powerful tool in the fight against insecurity, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the North-East.
Conclusion
The establishment of a Federal Orthopaedic Hospital and a Federal College of Education (Special) in Gombe State represents more than just new buildings; it is a strategic investment in the human capital and well-being of the North-East. By decentralizing these critical services, the federal government is bringing hope and opportunity directly to a region that has faced immense challenges.
This move is a milestone that promises to enhance quality of life, foster socio-economic progress, and build a more inclusive and resilient future for the people of Gombe and beyond, perfectly aligning with the core objectives of the nation’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
