By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has revealed Government’s plans to construct a new female hostel at the Gombe State University (GSU) after he visited to commiserate with students and staff over the fire disaster that recently destroyed a female hostel.
The Governor who also donated N20m to support affected victims said he was deeply disturbed by the news of the inferno that rendered many of the students helpless due to the destruction of their properties. No life was lost or injured during the inferno.
He announced that his administration would embark on the construction of a befitting new female hostel to address accommodation challenges and prevent future incidents while directing the Commissioner for Higher Education and that of Works and Housing to collaborate and expedite the process for the commencement of the project immediately.
The Governor also directed the university management to enhance fire-fighting facilities on campus and disclosed that the Fire Service had been instructed to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident to prevent a recurrence.
He explained that the cash donation was to complement the relief materials earlier provided by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to the affected students, adding that apart from supporting the victims with the donation, the remaining part of the cash be handed over to the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) for fair distribution among other students, especially those traumatised by the incident.
Governor Inuwa assured the students that his administration would continue to prioritize the education sector and ensure that learning environments across the State remain safe, conducive and well-equipped.
The university Registrar, Dr. Abubakar Aliyu Bafeto, who spoke on behalf of the university community, thanked Governor Inuwa for his compassion, support and the pledges he made during the visit.
He assured him that all measures will be taken to ensure no further occurrences, while confirming that no life was lost or injured during the incident.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo and other lawmakers, the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Chief of Staff, Alh. Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Commissioners, Heads of Agencies and Parastatals, and Heads of various security agencies in the State amongst others.
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