Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has urged leaders in Northern Nigeria to prioritise education as a key strategy for addressing challenges associated with the Almajiri system and promoting the region’s human and economic development.
Mutfwang made the call on Saturday in Demsa, Adamawa State, while speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. The event also featured the commissioning of a library and administrative blocks built by Mustapha for the Lutheran University of Nigeria.
The governor, who chaired the occasion, said the challenges surrounding the Almajiri system could not be effectively addressed without a deliberate commitment by Northern leaders to expand access to education.
He described education as a critical instrument for promoting peace, development and economic prosperity, stressing that communities could not achieve sustainable development without investing in human capital.
Mutfwang also highlighted the contribution of religious institutions to education and community development, recalling the role churches have played in expanding access to learning in Nigeria.
He commended Mustapha for investing his personal resources in the construction of the university facilities, describing the project as an investment in knowledge and human development.
Mutfwang noted that the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria was the third member of the TEKAN bloc to establish a university, following the NKST and Church of Christ in Nations, describing the development as evidence of the church’s commitment to using education to promote peace and development.
Also speaking, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri praised Mustapha for choosing to invest in education and human capital development rather than personal projects.
Fintiri urged other successful indigenes of Adamawa State to emulate the former SGF by supporting initiatives that improve education and contribute to human development.
He said his administration had prioritised education as part of efforts to tackle poverty and insecurity, stressing that education was a more sustainable tool for addressing the challenges confronting society.
In his remarks, Mustapha said his decision to construct the library and administrative blocks was driven by his desire to contribute to the development of education in Nigeria.
He described education as essential to peace, unity and national development and encouraged Nigerians with resources to give back to society.
The former SGF also expressed gratitude as he marked his 70th birthday.
