In response to the pressing out-of-school crisis in Gombe State, the Misilli Community Development Foundation has stepped up its efforts to ensure that more underprivileged children receive an education.
The foundation, founded by Ismaila Uba Misilli, spokesperson to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has successfully enrolled its second batch of students in alignment with the state government’s initiative to address the out-of-school children crisis.
At a ceremony held in Dawaki Ward, Gombe, the foundation enrolled an additional 50 children, bringing the total number of students enrolled through the program to 100 within two years.
Previously, the foundation supported the enrollment of 50 pupils and 30 secondary and university students last year.
Beneficiaries, primarily from Dawaki Quarters in Gombe, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to continue their education, emphasizing the transformative impact of the scholarships on their lives.
During the event, the Commissioner of Education, Ass. Prof
. Aishatu Maigari, represented by Malam Yusuf Abubakar, Director of School Services at the Ministry, praised the foundation’s efforts.
She assured the foundation of the potential collaboration with the state government, under Governor Yahaya’s administration, to sustain and support the educational initiatives.
‘What Misilli has done goes beyond education-this is about transforming lives, empowering the next generation, and providing hope to those who might otherwise be left behind,’ the Commissioner remarked.
She encouraged other individuals and organizations to emulate Misilli’s example by contributing to community development and supporting vulnerable groups.
Similarly, Gombe State’s Head of Service, Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, represented by Sulaiman Musa Kwami, Permanent Secretary for Establishment and Service Matters, lauded Misilli’s commitment to alleviating the out-of-school crisis in Gombe. He commended his leadership in effecting lasting change, not just in education but across various social dimens
ions.
Local government leaders, including Gombe Local Government Education Secretary Abubakar Baba and Dawaki Ward Councillor Umar Musa, acknowledged the foundation’s tireless work in providing quality education for vulnerable children and securing a better future for them.
Speaking through his brother, Mr. Lawan Uba Misilli, the Founder, Ismaila Uba Misilli, reiterated that the initiative is driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty.
‘Our goal is to give every child the chance to dream big and achieve their potential, regardless of their background. We are committed to ensuring that all children in Dawaki, especially orphans and the vulnerable, have access to quality education. This is just the beginning, and we will continue to push for broader inclusivity in our educational system,’ Misilli said.
He further revealed that the foundation plans to expand the initiative statewide, aiming to reach more orphans and vulnerable children.
Foundation Coordinator, Mr. Y
usuf Hamza, explained that the scholarships provided covered tuition fees, school supplies, and other educational resources, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the necessary support for their academic success.
Source: Voice of Nigeria