From WILLIE ATTAH, Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has announced plans to construct a new female hostel at Gombe State University (GSU) after a fire incident destroyed an existing hostel.
The governor made this known during a visit to commiserate with students and staff affected by the disaster.
He also donated ₦20 million to support victims of the incident, which, though destructive, recorded no injuries or loss of life.
Governor Inuwa expressed deep concern over the plight of affected students and directed the Commissioners for Higher Education and Works and Housing to expedite plans for the construction of a new, safer hostel.
He also instructed the university management to enhance fire-fighting infrastructure on campus and directed the State Fire Service to investigate the cause of the inferno to prevent future occurrences.
According to him, the cash donation complements relief materials already distributed by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
He said part of the funds should be distributed to affected students, while the remainder be handed over to the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) for equitable sharing among others traumatised by the incident.
Governor Inuwa assured that his administration remains committed to providing a safe, conducive and well-equipped learning environment across the state.
The University Registrar, Dr Abubakar Aliyu Bafeto, thanked the governor for his compassion and pledged that the institution would adopt measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, and other top government officials and security heads.