Gombe, NEDC Partner To Rebuild School For PWD

In a significant move toward inclusive education, the Gombe State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). The collaboration is focused on the comprehensive renovation and reconstruction of the School for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Gombe. This initiative is designed to provide specialized learning facilities that cater to the unique needs of students with physical and sensory challenges.

Halima Mahdi, the Gombe State Coordinator of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, praised the intervention as a timely response to the dilapidated state of the facility. She emphasized that the project is not just about brick and mortar, but about restoring the dignity of the students and ensuring they have equal access to quality education. The partnership highlights a growing synergy between state institutions and regional development agencies.

​The Commissioner for Education and the Chairman of the Gombe State Disability Commission have been identified as key drivers of this initiative. By working closely with the NEDC, these officials aim to modernize the school’s infrastructure, including the provision of accessible classrooms, specialized teaching aids, and improved living quarters. This holistic upgrade is expected to set a new standard for inclusive education in the North-East region.

​Stakeholders within the disability community have expressed optimism that the rebuilt school will serve as a hub for talent development and vocational training. The goal is to move beyond basic literacy and provide PWDs with the skills necessary for economic independence. The Gombe State Government has reiterated its commitment to leaving no child behind, regardless of their physical abilities.

As construction progresses, the collaboration is being viewed as a model for other states in the region. By leveraging the resources of the NEDC, Gombe State is effectively addressing a long-standing infrastructure gap. The project is expected to be completed within the current academic cycle, providing a transformed environment for hundreds of students who rely on the facility for their educational advancement.