BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 02, 2025 | 12:29 PM

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has resolved to collaborate closely with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE) in a renewed effort to tackle the rising number of out-of-school children in the region.

The resolution was part of a communique issued at the end of the Forum’s 11th meeting, held in Damaturu, Yobe State on Thursday, May 1.

The Forum, which comprises the Governors of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States, with the Deputy Governor of Bauchi representing his state, agreed to provide office spaces for the Commission across all member states.

They also pledged to support the enrolment of Almajiri and out-of-school children into formal education, expand access to vocational and technical training, and pursue a unified strategy to curb the menace.

While reiterating its commitment to regional integration and cooperation, the Forum expressed deep concern over the rising activities of insurgents in the subregion. It called on the military, security agencies, and community leaders to reevaluate current counter-insurgency tactics, emphasizing that military responses alone are insufficient.

A multidimensional approach that addresses root causes such as poverty, youth unemployment, and poor infrastructure was strongly advocated.

The governors also highlighted the critical role of road infrastructure in regional security and economic development, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the completion of abandoned road projects.

Similarly, they called on the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) to engage more closely with state governments and accelerate the execution of ongoing projects.

On legal education, the Forum announced support for the expansion of the Nigerian Law School's Yola Campus through the provision of hostels, water supply, and other facilities to boost its capacity.

The NEGF reaffirmed its dedication to opening up the region for investment, promoting agricultural development, addressing climate change, and driving industrialization to create job opportunities for vulnerable youth.

The next meeting of the North-East Governors’ Forum is scheduled to take place in Jalingo, Taraba State, from July 27 to 29, 2025.