Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has announced a N20 million relief donation and an immediate plan to construct a new multi-storey female hostel at the Gombe State University (GSU) following last Thursday’s fire outbreak that razed parts of a female hostel.
During a sympathy visit to the university on Monday, Governor Yahaya described it as unfortunate and directed the Commissioner for Higher Education to release the N20 million within 24 hours to support affected students and others traumatized by the incident.
“Let it be released tomorrow and shared fairly among all students in the affected block, including those distressed by the fire,” he ordered.
Accompanied by top government officials, Governor Yahaya added that the donation was a short-term measure while plans were underway to build a safer, modern hostel to accommodate more students.
The governor also directed that fire-fighting equipment be installed in all university facilities and reiterated the ban on cooking inside hostels, urging management to establish a central cafeteria to prevent future mishaps.
The Registrar, Dr. Aliyu Abubakar Bafeto, thanked him for his prompt response and generosity, describing it as a reflection of his deep concern for the welfare of students and staff.
The fire, suspected to have been caused by a gas explosion, occurred around 9 p.m. on October 2, 2025.
No lives were lost, according to the university’s Public Relations Officer, H. N. Ligari.
