We wish to draw the urgent attention of the Gombe State Government to the deplorable condition of the road linking Arabic Teachers College (ATC), the Second Gate of Gombe State University (GSU), and the Education Resource Centre (ERC) — a vital educational and community corridor that appears to have been overlooked in the Phase 7 Road Projects.
This is not just another road; it is an educational lifeline connecting some of Gombe’s most important learning institutions and community facilities. Yet, despite its importance, the road remains in terrible shape, making daily movement difficult for students, teachers, and residents.
An Educational Lifeline in Poor Condition
Every day, thousands of students — including girls benefiting from the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) — use this road to reach their schools. Unfortunately, its poor state discourages attendance and endangers their safety, particularly during the rainy season when flooding and erosion make it nearly impassable.
The road’s importance extends beyond education. It serves traders, civil servants, pilgrims, and persons with disabilities, making it a crucial link for community development and economic activity in the area.
A Corridor of Heritage and Hope
The Arabic Teachers College (ATC) Gombe, established in 1968, is one of the state’s oldest educational landmarks. Neglecting the main access route to such a historic institution undermines its legacy and the dignity of those who depend on it.
The area also has significant political and civic importance. With 11 polling units within the ATC premises, this axis represents a large, active voting population whose needs and voices deserve attention in the state’s development agenda.
A Call for Urgent Action
Currently, the road is riddled with erosion, poor drainage, and potholes. During heavy rains, it becomes muddy and unsafe, forcing commuters — especially schoolchildren and the elderly — to take longer, riskier routes.
We, therefore, appeal to the Gombe State Government to include this critical road in its immediate infrastructure development plans. The administration has shown strong commitment to education and road construction. Fixing this route would be a powerful statement that education — particularly girl-child education and inclusive learning — remains a true priority.
Building a Better Gombe, One Road at a Time
Rehabilitating this road will improve access to schools, enhance safety, preserve the dignity of historic institutions, and promote inclusive growth. It will also reaffirm citizens’ confidence in the government’s vision of building a Better Gombe where no community is left behind.
We respectfully request that the axis from the Community Education Resource Centre to the Second Gate of Gombe State University be given priority in the next round of road construction or rehabilitation projects.
Gombe people remain grateful for the government’s dedication to progress — and hopeful that this vital road will soon become a proud symbol of inclusive development and educational advancement in the state.
