IBBAL News

23/05/2026

06/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: 5th May, 2025

The National President of the Gombe State Students Association (GOSSA), Rt. Comrade Muhammad Al-amin Murtala, CISSP, GCGSS, has formally resigned from his position, citing sustained external interference and the erosion of the Association’s constitutional independence.

In a statement issued on 5th May, 2025, the outgoing President emphasized that GOSSA, as enshrined in its constitution, is a non-partisan, non-governmental, and non-profit student organization, and must remain free from political control.

He expressed serious concern over developments within the Association, including the emergence of an individual who is no longer a student but continues to lay claim to its leadership while simultaneously serving as a government appointee Special Assistant Students Affairs to Gov. According to him, this situation directly contradicts the constitutional principles guiding GOSSA and undermines the credibility of student representation.
Despite formal petitions submitted by recognized student leaders across various higher institutions to relevant authorities and security agencies, no action has been taken. The continued lack of recognition of the duly constituted National Executive, he noted, reflects broader concerns regarding fairness and institutional neutrality.

Rt. Comrade Murtala further revealed that he was presented with conditions prior to assuming office that would have limited the independence of his leadership. He declined such conditions, stating that his primary obligation has always been to protect the interests and welfare of students.

“I am easy to work with, but impossible to manipulate. I cannot lead under conditions that compromise the voice and mandate of the students I represent.”

He added that remaining in office under the current circumstances would require compromising his integrity and the trust placed in him by students across Gombe State.

The former President also confirmed that his intention to actively engage in partisan politics informed his decision, as such involvement is restricted under the constitution of GOSSA.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN OFFICE

During his tenure, Rt. Comrade Murtala led several impactful initiatives, including:

Sponsorship of 400 JAMB registration fees for less privileged students across Gombe State

Payment of school fees for 50 students in institutions such as Gombe State University, Federal University Kashere, and Garkuwa School of Science and Technology

Launch of an ongoing 15,500-student educational support program

Facilitation and allocation of over 125 hostel accommodations at Gombe State University

Strengthening collaboration among Local Chapter Presidents nationwide

Expansion of GOSSA’s engagement with national and international organizations

ADVISORY TO STUDENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS

Rt. Comrade Murtala advised students and stakeholders to remain vigilant in safeguarding the independence of the Association.
He cautioned against continued external interference in student affairs and stressed the importance of preserving GOSSA as a platform that genuinely represents students’ interests.

He expressed confidence that committed individuals would continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and the protection of student rights.

APPRECIATION

He extended his appreciation to all Local Chapter Presidents and institutions nationwide who supported the cause of legitimate leadership and student unity, including:
Federal University Dutse; Federal University Kashere; Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi; Federal Polytechnic Damaturu; Federal Polytechnic Bauchi; Kaduna State Polytechnic; Adamawa State University (ADSU); Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo; University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID); Nigerian Army University Biu; Benue State University; College of Horticulture Dadin Kowa; Bayero University Kano; Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU); Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Al-Istiqama University; College of Legal Studies Nafada; College of Legal Studies Misau; Modibbo Adama University, Yola; and others.

CONCLUSION

Rt. Comrade Murtala stated that his resignation is a principled decision taken in good faith to preserve his integrity and allow space for stability.

He reaffirmed that his efforts were driven by a commitment to service and expressed confidence that history will fairly reflect the contributions and challenges of his tenure.

Signed:
Rt. Comrade Muhammad Al-amin Murtala, CISSP, GCGSS
Former National President, GOSSA

04/01/2026

3rd January 2025

Lincoln University Kumo Opens Doors for Nigerian students

Lincoln University Nigeria, Kumo Campus, has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering internationally benchmarked, skill-driven education as it continues to position itself as a transformative force in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

Speaking during the Maiden Lincoln Education Fair in Gombe, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Sadiq Abubakar, described the institution as an extension of Lincoln University College Malaysia, a globally recognised university accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and ranked by Times Higher Education and QS World Rankings.

Prof. Abubakar emphasised that Lincoln University Nigeria holds a historic distinction as the first foreign university approved by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission to operate under the Transnational Education model, allowing students to earn foreign degrees while studying locally.

He said the decision to establish the university in Nigeria was driven by a strong belief that education is a right, not a privilege, and a response to the barriers of high tuition costs, rigid admission processes and limited access to quality education faced by many Nigerians.

According to the Vice Chancellor, Lincoln University Nigeria was deliberately structured to be accessible and affordable, with flexible admissions that guarantee qualified candidates an offer of admission within five working days, and tuition fees designed to accommodate low- and middle-income families.

Prof. Sadiq noted that beyond certificates, the university is focused on producing graduates equipped with practical skills, innovation capacity and entrepreneurial mindset, stressing that the era of training students solely to wait for government jobs is over.

He explained that Lincoln University Nigeria adopts a two-tier curriculum and a two-tier lecturer system, combining academic instruction with industry expertise, alongside Practical Class Assessment and Practical Skill Application to ensure students solve real-life problems while still in school.

The Vice Chancellor added that students are exposed to real-world challenges within their fields of study, enabling them to develop solutions that translate into employability, self-reliance and job creation, rather than job seeking.

On academic offerings, he said the university operates through three faculties, including Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Sciences and Computing, and Management and Social Sciences, with over fifteen (15) degree programmes.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Muhammed Tukur Adamu, described the Education Fair as a gateway to the future, providing prospective students and parents with direct access to information, counselling and guidance on programmes, faculties and career opportunities.

He said the fair was designed to help students explore their interests, make informed academic choices and confidently chart their educational paths in line with global standards and local relevance.

In closing remarks, the Registrar, Dr. Ismail Abubakar, underscored the affordability of Lincoln University Nigeria, urging Nigerians, particularly indigenes of Gombe State, to take full advantage of the opportunity to access international standard education at home.

Some applicants, including Muslim Shuaibu and Sadiya Muh'd Nasir, who received on-the-spot admission during the event, commended the university for its seamless and transparent admission process and encouraged other students to seize the opportunity.

Lincoln University Nigeria says it will continue to expand access to quality, practical and globally competitive education, with a clear mission to produce graduates capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across Nigeria.

Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan
Media and Communications Officer
Lincoln University Kumo, Gombe State

28/12/2025

A delegation from the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, led by the Shamaki of Gombe, has formally conferred a traditional title on the wife of the Minister of Transportation, Hajiya Zainab Sa’idu Alkali.

The turbaning and confirmation ceremony took place on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Minister’s residence in the GRA area of Gombe State.

Speaking at the event, the Dawakin Gombe, Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad Dawaki, highlighted the importance of conferring traditional titles on women, noting that it enhances their status and strengthens their role in community development, particularly within the Gombe Emirate.

In his remarks, the Shamaki of Gombe, Alhaji Usman Muhammad, conveyed the message of the Emir of Gombe, announcing that Hajiya Zainab Sa’idu Alkali was confirmed with the traditional title of Sodangin Gombe, in recognition of her contributions to society.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Sa’idu Alkali family, Alhaji Bala Muhammad Magaji, the Magajin Gari of Gombe, thanked the Emir for the honour, stating that the title would further motivate the family to intensify their service to the community.

The ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and other traditional title holders from across Gombe State.

24/12/2025

On 22 December, 2025.

The Gombe State Honourable Commissioner Chairs December 2025 Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) Meeting.

The Commissioner ministry for Local Government and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri (Wazirin Akko), on Monday, 22nd December, 2025, chaired the December Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting, which also marked the last JAAC meeting for the year 2025.

The meeting was attended by Local Government Council Chairmen, the Permanent Secretary, Directors of the Ministry, and the State Accountant General, among other key officials.

In his remarks, the Commissioner expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment throughout the year.

He emphasized the importance of accountability, prudent management of resources, and sustained collaboration among local governments to ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots level.

The December JAAC meeting reviewed statutory allocations to local governments, assessed financial performance for the year, and discussed strategies to strengthen financial discipline and planning ahead of the new year.

Signed:
Information Unit
MLG & CD.

23/12/2025

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Dismisses Aides over Assault on Shamaki Ward Councillor

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, on Wednesday 23/12/2025 has approved the immediate disengagement of Adamu Abdullahi Danko and three other aides following the investigation into the physical assault on Hon. Abdulrahman Abubakar Sheriff, the Councillor representing Shamaki Ward in Gombe Local Government Area.

The decision, conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, followed the constitution of a special committee to probe the incident.

The findings of the committee, which were further corroborated by security agencies’ reports, informed the Governor’s action.

According to the SSG, the affected aides are: Adamu Abdullahi Danko (Senior Special Assistant II, Domestic), Garba Mohammed Mai Rago - Senior Special Assistant II, Political)
Rabiu Sulaiman Abubakar - Senior Special Assistant II - Social Media) and
Ali Ibrahim Baban Kaya - Senior Special Assistant II, Community Relations).

Governor Inuwa Yahaya directed that the disengagement takes immediate effect.

All affected officers have also been instructed to hand over all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities without delay.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for violence, misconduct and abuse of office, stressing that actions capable of threatening public peace or undermining confidence in government will not be condoned.

He assured the people of Gombe State of his government’s commitment to the rule of law, accountability and peaceful coexistence, adding that decisive measures will always be taken to safeguard public order and sustain the state’s hard-earned stability.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
(Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe

19/12/2025

Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Adam Muhammad Albany Gombe (Barden Sunnah), delivered a Friday sermon on the importance of upholding truth at the Juma’at Mosque of Masjid Uthman bn Affan, located along the Hammadu Kafi Bypass in Gombe State.

In his sermon, Sheikh Albany called on traders and the general public to uphold honesty and integrity in all aspects of their daily lives, stressing that truthfulness is a fundamental pillar for societal development and peaceful coexistence.

The cleric cited verses from the Holy Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that highlight the virtues and importance of truthfulness, while condemning betrayal, deceit and dishonesty, which he said have become widespread in society today.

Sheikh Albany noted that the prevalence of dishonesty has led to setbacks in social and economic life, eroded trust among people, increased mistrust within communities, and posed serious threats to peace and sustainable development.

At the end of the sermon, after the conclusion of the Friday prayers, Sheikh Adam Muhammad Albany delivered a brief admonition to members of the HISBAH corps providing security at the mosque, urging them to uphold justice, patience and the fear of Allah in the discharge of their duties, while offering prayers for divine guidance and strength to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

18/12/2025

PRESS RELEASE

The Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments, in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, has organised a one-day seminar for Local Government officials, including Chairmen, Secretaries, Treasurers, Cashiers, Internal Auditors, and Planning Officers.

The seminar was themed “Understanding Accounting Records and Financial Documentation for Effective Results,” and was designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective financial management at the Local Government level.

Declaring the seminar open, the Chairman of the Occasion and Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mohammed Waziri (Wazirin Akko), called on key Local Government officials to use the workshop as a vital tool for strengthening financial systems and improving service delivery within the Local Government system.

In his remarks, the ALGON Chairman, Barr. Sani Ahmed Haruna, Chairman of Gombe Local Government, who was represented by the Deputy ALGON Chairman, Hajiya Fatima Binta Bello, Chairperson of Shongom Local Government, commended the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Governments and the Ministry for Local Government and Community Development for organising the seminar. She noted that the workshop would greatly improve the capacity and efficiency of Local Government officials.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Daudu Umar Abdulsalam, represented by the Permanent Commissioner IV, Hon. Aliyu Hamma Garba Difa, expressed appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for his continued achievements, commitment to effective governance, and sustained reforms in the Local Government system.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Auditor-General for Local Governments, Alhaji Muhammad Bappayo Abdulmumini, stated that the objective of the seminar was to refresh and remind participants of the importance of proper record-keeping and financial documentation for effective administration and accountability.

The seminar featured paper presentations by three resource persons:

1. Alhaji Muhammad Bappayo Abdulmumini – Understanding Financial Documentation for Effective Results
2. Mal. Hassan Hamma Bajuga – The Role of Key Accounting Officials for Effective Documentation
3. Mr. Mohammed Dantata Ndus – Understanding Accounting Records

Participants appreciated the organisers for the timely intervention and reaffirmed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to improve financial accountability and service delivery across Local Government Councils.

18/12/2025

The Pro-Chancellor of North Eastern University, Gombe, Dr. Sani Jauro, has criticised the exclusion of private university students from the Nigerian Student Loan Programme introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Jauro in an interview with Newsmen described the policy as discriminatory, noting that students in private universities are Nigerians whose parents pay taxes that fund the loan scheme. He stressed that private universities also contribute to the education tax that finances the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), yet neither the institutions nor their students benefit from it.

He explained that public universities lack the capacity to absorb all qualified candidates, making private universities an essential part of Nigeria’s education system. According to him, denying their students access to loans unfairly limits educational opportunities for many young Nigerians.

The Pro-Chancellor called on the federal government to adopt a more inclusive approach by supporting private institutions through non-profit interventions such as infrastructure development, including roads, water supply, libraries, and internet facilities.

Dr. Jauro urged the government to strengthen the entire education sector rather than focusing solely on public institutions, adding that all Nigerian students deserve equal access to support that guarantees a minimum standard of education nationwide.

05/12/2025

Renowned Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Miyetti Juma’at Mosque, Sheikh Adam Muhammad Albani Gombe, has called on Nigerian leaders to urgently address the growing insecurity facing the country, especially the persistent cases of banditry and related criminal activities.

Delivering his Friday sermon, the cleric expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, noting that many communities are living in fear due to repeated attacks, kidnappings, and loss of lives. He said the responsibility of ensuring safety and stability in the nation rests heavily on those in leadership positions.

Sheikh Albani urged government authorities at all levels to intensify efforts in finding lasting solutions to the crisis, stressing that insecurity not only endangers lives but also disrupts socio-economic development and peaceful coexistence.

He also called on citizens to support the fight against insecurity by cooperating with security agencies and promoting unity, saying collective action is essential for restoring peace in affected areas.

The Imam further prayed for God’s intervention in bringing an end to the challenges confronting Nigeria and urged leaders to rule with justice, honesty, and compassion.