By Abdul Lauya
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law two transformative bills establishing a Federal Orthopedic Hospital in Billiri and a Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku, both located in Gombe State.
In a press statement issued by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya described the move as a “historic gesture” and a testament to the President’s responsive and inclusive leadership.
“This is a new chapter for Gombe State. These institutions will not only enhance access to quality education and specialized healthcare but will also create employment and stimulate development,” the Governor stated.
Strategically located, the new Federal Orthopedic Hospital in Billiri is expected to enhance trauma and orthopedic care across the North-East, reducing pressure on already overstretched facilities in other parts of the country. The hospital will serve as a regional referral and training center, offering advanced medical interventions to thousands within and beyond Gombe State.
The Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku will focus on training teachers for learners with special needs, an essential boost for inclusive education in Nigeria. As the first of its kind in the North-East, the college is set to fill a critical gap in teacher preparation for special education, ensuring underserved populations receive the attention they deserve.
Notably, Gombe has emerged as one of the most favored states under President Tinubu’s administration, having secured three major federal institutions within just two years. The first came with the Federal Government’s takeover and upgrade of the Kumo General Hospital into a Federal Medical Centre. The latest additions, the orthopedic hospital and special education college—arriving almost simultaneously, further underscore the administration’s commitment to equitable development. Political observers have linked this unprecedented level of federal presence to Gombe’s rare advantage of producing two principal officers – the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader, in a 360-member parliament with a total of ten principal officers, a unique achievement for a state with only twenty two members in the Green Chamber.
Governor Yahaya also commended the sponsors of the bills, Hon. Ali Isa J.C. and Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, for their legislative foresight and dogged commitment to the advancement of their constituencies. He praised their roles in pushing the legislation through, describing it as “a win for inclusive governance.”
He further acknowledged the invaluable efforts of the National Assembly leadership and stakeholders whose collaboration ensured the bills’ passage, pledging full state government support to facilitate the smooth takeoff of both institutions.
“These new federal establishments will complement our state-level initiatives and further strengthen Gombe’s position as a centre of excellence in education and healthcare. We are grateful to Mr. President, and we assure him that the people of Gombe State will continue to support his renewed hope agenda,” the Governor affirmed.
The two federal institutions are expected to significantly impact the quality of healthcare and education in the region, while stimulating socio-economic development across Gombe and the wider North-East.
