ASUU-GSU First Ever Strike: A Tale of Two Leaders
By Khalid Mu’azu Izala
The story of Gombe State University in the 20 years of its existence is one of contrasting visions and leadership styles. On one hand, we have the legacy of former Governor Mohammed Danjuma Goje, a builder who established the university and laid the foundation for its growth and success. His commitment to education and development was evident in beating all odds to establish the university, and the resources he invested in the university, ensuring it became a hub for academic excellence.
We can hear directly from Senator Goje’s mouth in the video clip attached herewith, mentioning that establishing Gombe State University is the project he cherished the most in all his uncountable landmark achievements throughout his over four decades of service as federal minister, Governor and Senator.
Senator Goje’s deep feeling towards the university can be easily understood, giving the fact that Gombe State University makes access to university degree much easier to the young men and women of Gombe State. In just 20 years, GSU has produced hundreds of thousands of bachelor’s degrees, master’s degree and PhD holders in Gombe state, many of whom might have found it difficult to obtain such degrees had the university not been established. This is in addition to securing job opportunities to thousands of men and women from access the length and breadth of Gombe State and beyond. The university also makes a good name for Gombe State in the field of academic excellence, courtesy of the sincere commitment of Senator Goje towards the establishment of the institution.
On the other hand, we have the current administration under Governor Inuwa Yahaya, whose lackadaisical attitude towards the university’s progress is alarming. Despite the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, Senator Danjuma Goje and Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Governor Inuwa’s inaction and disinterest have hindered the university’s potential, leaving students and staff in a state of uncertainty.
While the tenures of the two former Governors were marked by constructive initiatives and a clear vision for the future, Governor Inuwa’s leadership has been characterized by a lack of direction and investment in the university’s development. It is a stark reminder that leadership matters, and the consequences of inaction can be devastating.
As we reflect on the contrasting approaches of the former and current leaders, it becomes clear that the past governors were builders, dedicated to creating a lasting legacy, while the current one is a destroyer, threatening to undo the progress made by his predecessors.
Now that the ASUU-GSU has embarked on TOTAL, COMPREHENSIVE, AND INDEFINITE strike, first of its kind since the inception of the university 20 years ago, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has also written his name in the history book of the university, but unlike his predecessors, his own story is on the bad page of the book.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya should have learnt a lesson from former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, who after all the oppression and embarrassment of the Academic staff of Kogi State University, is now playing hide-and-seek with the EFCC, while the university lecturers he once sacked are still serving in the university.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya should not forget that he will complete his second and final term as Governor of Gombe State on the 29th of May, 2027
Khalid writes from Gombe
