The Gombe State Scholarship Board has officially announced the commencement of its long-awaited verification exercise for all state-sponsored scholarship beneficiaries. This important development, approved by the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, marks a crucial phase in ensuring that all qualified students under the state’s scholarship scheme are properly documented and verified for continued financial support.
According to a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Shuaibu Gidado, the verification exercise is set to begin on Monday, October 20, 2025, and will run daily, including Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
🗓️ Purpose of the Verification Exercise
The verification process is designed to authenticate student records, confirm active enrollment, and ensure transparency in the disbursement of scholarship funds. Over the years, the Gombe State Government has maintained a strong commitment to educational empowerment, offering scholarships to indigenes studying in various tertiary institutions across the country.
However, due to recent disruptions caused by the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, the Board clarified that the exercise will be conducted in a phased and flexible manner to accommodate all categories of students.
🏫 Categories of Students and Verification Procedure
The Board provided clear instructions for two major categories of students:
- Students Currently at Home:
Beneficiaries who are presently off-campus due to the ASUU strike are required to report physically to the Gombe State Scholarship Board office for the verification exercise. They must appear in person with all necessary documents for proper authentication. - Students Still on Campus:
Those who remain on campus will not be left out. The Board stated that once the ongoing strike is suspended, a dedicated verification team will visit respective institutions to conduct on-site verification. This approach aims to make the process convenient and fair to all beneficiaries, regardless of location or academic schedule.
📑 Required Documents for Verification
All eligible students are expected to present the original copies of the following documents during the exercise:
| Required Document | Description/Note |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Application Print-Out | A printed copy of your scholarship application confirmation or award notice. |
| Admission Letter | Proof of admission into your current institution. |
| Latest School Fees Receipt | Evidence of recent payment of tuition or related fees. |
| Certificate of Indigeneship | Issued by your Local Government confirming Gombe State origin. |
| Valid Student Identity Card | Must be current and issued by your institution. |
Students are advised to ensure that all documents are neatly arranged and legible before reporting for verification. Any discrepancies or missing documents may result in delays or disqualification.
📍 Venue and Duration of Exercise
The verification will take place at the Gombe State Scholarship Board headquarters. The process will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. each day and close by 4:00 p.m., including Saturdays, to allow enough time for all participants to be attended to.
Students are strongly encouraged to arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure timely completion of the exercise. Proper dressing and orderly conduct are also emphasized as part of the official verification guidelines.
🤝 Coordination with Gombe State Students Association (GOSSA)
To ensure smooth coordination, the Board has directed all Local Chapters of the Gombe State Students Association (GOSSA) to liaise with their National Secretariat. This collaboration is expected to help in mobilizing students, providing updates, and addressing any issues that may arise during the verification process.
The Board also commended GOSSA for its consistent efforts in representing the interests of Gombe State students and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the scholarship programme for deserving indigenes.
💬 Message from the Scholarship Board
While addressing the importance of the exercise, the Executive Secretary, Shuaibu Gidado, reiterated that the verification is not merely procedural but a vital measure to uphold the integrity, accountability, and sustainability of the state’s scholarship programme.
He stated that the verification would help eliminate multiple entries, ghost beneficiaries, and outdated records — ensuring that only genuine and active students continue to benefit from the scheme.
He also encouraged all beneficiaries to comply fully with the verification schedule, emphasizing that failure to participate in the exercise may lead to temporary suspension or forfeiture of scholarship benefits.
🎓 Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s Commitment to Education
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has consistently reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to education as a driving force for social and economic transformation in Gombe State. The verification exercise aligns with his broader vision to promote accountability, support talented students, and expand access to educational opportunities for all indigenes of the state.
Under his leadership, the scholarship programme has continued to receive funding and support, enabling thousands of Gombe students to pursue degrees and professional qualifications across Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
✅ Important Reminders for Students
Before reporting for verification, beneficiaries should keep the following reminders in mind:
- Bring only original documents (no photocopies).
- Ensure all personal details match those on the scholarship application form.
- Be punctual; the Board will not extend the daily closing time.
- Avoid crowding or proxy representation — verification must be done in person.
- Maintain a respectful attitude toward staff and officials conducting the exercise.
- Students unsure of their status or missing any documents should contact their GOSSA representatives for clarification before attending.
🕘 Summary of the Exercise
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Exercise Type | Physical Verification of Scholarship Beneficiaries |
| Start Date | Monday, October 20, 2025 |
| Venue | Gombe State Scholarship Board Headquarters |
| Time | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (including Saturdays) |
| Documents Required | Scholarship print-out, Admission letter, Latest school fees receipt, Indigeneship certificate, Valid student ID |
| Target Participants | All current beneficiaries of Gombe State Scholarship Scheme |
| Supervised By | Executive Secretary, Shuaibu Gidado |
| Approved By | Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya |
