Adamawa renews commitment for girl-child, youth inclusion @ int’l day for education
The Adamawa State government has renewed its commitment to enhance girl-child and youth inclusion in education in its drive to enhance knowledge, a key ingredient in human capital development.
Making the commitment at a press briefing in celebration of international day for education 2026 in Yola on Monday, the state commissioner of education and human capital development, Dr. Umar Garba Pella said Adamawa State government under the leadership of governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has placed premium in education making it the second most capital intensive sector in the state.
The events marking the day’s celebration was organized by the state government in collaboration with education in emergency.
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Pella described the International Day for Education as a global moment of solidarity that reinforces the central role of education in peace, development and human dignity.
He stressed that education remains a shared responsibility, extending beyond government to parents, communities, partners and the youth themselves.
According to the commissioner, the Adamawa State Government views education as a strategic weapon against poverty, insecurity and social vices.
He noted that an educated population is better equipped to make informed decisions and resist threats to social stability.
“Education is the foundation upon which development is built, and it is a mandate we must pass on to the generality of our people,” he said.
Dr. Pella aligned the state’s policies with the 2026 theme, describing it as a call for collective action.
He emphasized that young people should not be seen merely as recipients of knowledge but as active partners in shaping education systems.
He urged youths in Adamawa to participate in school governance, curriculum discussions and community initiatives to make education more responsive and impactful.
Highlighting government interventions, the commissioner disclosed that the state has continued to expand access by building and rehabilitating schools, recruiting and training teachers, and implementing school development plans.
He announced that the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers was nearing completion, a move aimed at boosting morale and improving quality delivery.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to address the challenge of out-of-school children by taking education to underserved areas and drawing children off the streets into classrooms.
Dr. Pella further revealed ongoing efforts to digitize learning through ICT infrastructure, with a long-term goal of developing smart schools and smart classrooms.
He said digitization would make education more attractive, safe and relevant to the youth, who form the largest and most digitally connected segment of the population.
On inclusion, the commissioner highlighted special focus on girls’ education, including the construction of what he described as the first mega girls’ science and technical college in the state.
He also noted that new school designs now incorporate facilities for learners with special needs, ensuring no child is left behind.
He called on development partners, the media and communities to strengthen collaboration, describing Adamawa as open and receptive to partnerships in the education sector.
In an interview with newsmen during a spelling bee competition organized in celebration of the day, Rejoice Augustin, a focal person with Unique Care Foundation Support, explained that the foundation is implementing a self-funded project targeting 1,000 girls, with over 200 already reached across Yola North and Yola South through school clubs and gender-based violence awareness initiatives.
She said, as part of the International Day for Education celebration, the foundation organized spelling bee and mathematics competitions using digital platforms such as tablets and game-based learning tools.
Augustin said the programme deliberately targets girls in public schools to build confidence, digital literacy and leadership skills.
She noted visible improvements in participants’ communication abilities and self-esteem, adding that many girls who were initially shy can now speak confidently and use digital devices independently.
