By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Communications, Lanre Oloyede, Hon. Abba Isa hailed the President’s action as a historic milestone and a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive education, particularly for persons with disabilities in Northern Nigeria.
“The establishment of the Federal College of Education (Special) in Gombe is a bold step towards promoting equity and access to quality education for all,” Hon. Isa stated. “President Tinubu has once again shown visionary leadership by assenting to a bill that will bring long-term developmental benefits to the North-East and the country as a whole.”
The new legislation, which amends the College of Education Act (2025), provides for the creation of a specialized federal institution focused on training educators in the field of special needs education — an area Hon. Isa described as “rarely prioritised but critically needed” in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Hon. Abba Isa also extended heartfelt commendation to the sponsor of the bill, Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency in Gombe State. He applauded El-Rasheed for his dedication and consistency in pursuing the bill until its successful passage and presidential assent.
“I also commend the Government of Gombe State for providing a conducive environment that will support the effective implementation of this new federal institution,” Hon. Isa added.
In addition, the presidential aide expressed gratitude to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for facilitating the swift transmission of the bill to the President following earlier advocacy efforts by his office.
Hon. Abba Isa had in April 2025 embarked on an advocacy to the Minister of Justice to press for expedited transmission of the bill to Mr President for his assent.
Describing the newly established institution as the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, Hon. Abba Isa emphasized its potential to bridge the educational gap for learners with disabilities and to serve as a center for excellence in special needs teacher training.
Recall that Hon. Abba Isa had in September 2024 presented a position paper at a public hearing on the bill for an act to amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act to establish the Federal Colleges of Education (Special), Dukku, Gombe State, and other related matters.
Presenting his position paper, Hon. Abba Isa explained that when established, the college will offer courses in various field of education for teachers with special needs and students with disabilities.
“It will also nurture a set of teachers with requisite knowledge and skills to teach disable children and youth among our societies as well as ensuring equality and inclusivity to accessing qualitative education.
“The school will be the first of its kind in the Northem region and will not only serve the people of Dukku or Gombe State but the entire nation at large.
“The College will offer a variety of teacher education programs tailored for persons with disabilities and prepare a new generation of educators equipped with the skills and empathy to teach children and youth with special needs,” Isa noted. “Its impact will go far beyond Dukku or Gombe State. It is a national institution that will touch lives across all regions.”
Hon. Abba Isa called on all stakeholders — including federal and state agencies, the academic community, and civil society organizations — to cooperate fully in ensuring the smooth take-off and sustainability of the new College.
“This is a call to action for all of us to work together in building an inclusive education system that leaves no one behind,” Hon. Abba Isa said.
