Gombe–EIDU partnership boosts learning outcomes for 11,000 pupils The Gombe State Government is transforming classroom learning in public primary schools through a strategic partnership with global education technology organisation EIDU. It is a programme already benefiting more than 11,000 pupils across the state. The initiative is part of the education reform agenda of Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, who has placed strong emphasis on improving the quality of basic education and addressing the challenge of poor learning outcomes among primary school pupils. Speaking during an interview, the Commissioner for Education in Gombe State, Prof. Aishatu Umar Maigari, said the state government recognised early that simply increasing school enrolment was not enough without improving what happens inside the classroom. “It is one thing to take children to school, it is another thing to retain them, and it is another thing for them to actually learn,” she said. “The goal of the government is to ensure that children develop strong foundational skills in literacy and numeracy from the early years.” The partnership with EIDU introduces a structured, technology-enabled teaching model designed to strengthen classroom instruction and improve learning outcomes. Under the first phase of the programme, more than 300 teachers have been trained while 11,555 pupils across 16 schools in three local government areas are currently participating. Through the initiative, classrooms are equipped with digital learning tools and structured lesson guides that help teachers deliver lessons more effectively while enabling pupils to engage directly with the learning process. Prof. Maigari explained that the programme introduces individualised learning through the use of digital devices equipped with educational software designed to strengthen key literacy skills including phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, reading fluency and comprehension. “The programme breaks the traditional teacher-centred classroom model and allows each child to interact with the learning process,” she said. She also noted that the programme provides education administrators with real-time data that enables them to monitor classroom performance and track pupil progress across participating schools. “With the digital dashboard we can see what is happening in classrooms and identify where additional support is needed. It improves accountability and helps us strengthen the quality of education delivery,” she said. Encouraged by the early impact of the programme, the Gombe State Government is planning to scale up the initiative significantly, with the aim of reaching over 40,000 pupils in the coming year as part of its broader strategy to improve foundational learning across the state.