That was the position of Engineer Ibrahim Shehu Bakauye during a press conference held at the PDP state headquarters in Lalan Gusau, shortly after he emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Zamfara State in the 2027 elections. Speaking to journalists and party supporters, Shehu Bakauye made it clear that his campaign will place education at the center of its priorities, arguing that no state can move forward if its young people are left behind.
If we recall back to his record during his time in the National Assembly as evidence of what he intends to do. He consistently supported students by providing scholarships and distributing JAMB forms across his constituencies. For many families who could not afford the cost of forms or tuition, those interventions made the difference between staying in school and dropping out. It is that kind of direct support, that should be the norm rather than the exception in public policy.
The glaring evedent is that, the current administration’s approach to education in the state. Since coming into office, the government has not supported students in any meaningful way. There have been no scholarships, no assistance with registration fees, and no visible programs aimed at easing the financial burden on families. Unfortunately, the administration terminated the education of students who were sponsored to study abroad under the previous government led by Bello Muhammad Matawalle. This action demonstrates a lack of commitment and a disregard for the future of Zamfara youth.
The declaration of a state of emergency on education by Governor Dauda Lawal as nothing more than a public relations move without substance. Calling for an emergency while failing to provide basic support such as scholarships or funding for students abroad amounts to a contradiction that undermines public trust. The people of Zamfara can see through what is called a scam and deceit, and that voters will hold the government accountable at the polls.
This reflect a broader frustration among many Zamfara residents who feel that education has not received the attention it deserves despite repeated promises. Parents and students across the state have often raised concerns about the rising cost of education, lack of support for indigent students, and the disruption caused by policy reversals. For Bakauye, the issue is personal as well as political. He said his own journey through different academic programs has shown him how transformative education can be when it is accessible and properly funded.
As the PDP prepares for the 2027 campaign, education is expected to feature prominently in its messaging. Bakauye’s remarks signal that the party intends to frame the election as a choice between continuity and a renewed focus on human capital development. He promised that if given the mandate, his administration would prioritize scholarships, ensure timely payment of fees for students on government sponsorship, and restore support for those studying both within Nigeria and abroad.
The press conference ended with a call to young people and parents to remain engaged and to hold political leaders to their promises. Bakauye said he would continue to speak on the issue in the coming months and would outline a detailed education plan as part of his campaign manifesto. For now, his message was simple and direct: education cannot wait, and Zamfara cannot afford another four years of neglect.
