Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s strategic focus on education and youth development as key tools for tackling insecurity and fostering long-term growth, signaling a deepening of international collaboration to achieve these goals.
The governor made the commitment on Monday while hosting the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, at the Government House in Yola.
The meeting underscores the growing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Turkey in critical sectors such as education, humanitarian support, and vocational development.
At the heart of the discussions was the recognition of education as a powerful response to insecurity.
Gov. Fintiri emphasized that equipping young people with knowledge and practical skills reduces their vulnerability to crime and extremism, while opening pathways to economic empowerment.
The governor revealed that over 100 students from the state are currently studying in Turkey under various programmes, with reports indicating strong academic performance.
He described the initiative as a model for human capital development and announced plans to expand the scheme to accommodate more beneficiaries.
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“This is not just about education,” a government official familiar with the programme noted.
“It is about building a generation that can contribute meaningfully to peace, innovation, and economic resilience.”
In a bid to complement formal education, the state government has established a school of innovation and entrepreneurship, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
The institution focuses on equipping youths with job-ready and entrepreneurial skills, aligning with global trends in workforce development.
Gov. Fintiri called for enhanced collaboration with Turkey to strengthen skill acquisition centres across the state, highlighting the need for technical expertise, infrastructure, and exchange programmes that can accelerate capacity building.
The governor commended the Turkish government for its sustained support to internally displaced persons, particularly through the provision of food and essential non-food items.
Ambassador Poroy’s visit to the Malkohi Internally Displaced Persons Camp further highlighted Turkey’s hands-on approach to humanitarian intervention.
Speaking, Ambassador Poroy reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing insecurity and advancing development initiatives.
He disclosed that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency is planning to establish an office in Abuja.
The proposed office is expected to serve as a hub for expanding vocational training programmes, strengthening institutional partnerships, and scaling up development projects nationwide.
Analysts say the move could significantly enhance technical cooperation between both countries, particularly in areas such as skills development, humanitarian aid, and education.
