Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Isa Pantami, has said that if elected as Governor of Gombe State, his administration would focus on developing people rather than concentrating solely on physical infrastructure, describing human capital development as the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Pantami made the remarks in a recent video circulating online, where he acknowledged the progress recorded in infrastructure development across Gombe State but argued that greater attention must now be given to education, skills acquisition, innovation and youth empowerment.
According to him, Gombe has witnessed significant investment in physical infrastructure over the years, including the construction of an international airport, an international conference centre, hotels and other public facilities. However, he maintained that the state’s next phase of development should centre on equipping its people with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
He said that while infrastructure remains important, investing in people would deliver more lasting economic and social benefits.
“If I am given the opportunity to serve, my priority will be human capital development,” Pantami said in the video.
The professor, who is widely recognised for championing Nigeria’s digital economy agenda during his time as minister, outlined an ambitious vision for education reform in the state.
He pledged to improve the quality of education by investing in teachers through continuous professional training, improved welfare packages and better working conditions.
According to him, teachers are central to building a productive society, stressing that no educational system can perform beyond the quality and motivation of its educators.
Pantami also proposed a comprehensive approach to youth development that goes beyond conventional academic qualifications.
He argued that obtaining university degrees alone is no longer sufficient in today’s technology-driven world, saying young people should also acquire practical and digital skills that make them globally competitive.
As part of his vision, he said his administration would promote emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology and other digital competencies among young people in Gombe State.
He noted that the digital economy offers enormous opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and wealth creation, adding that the state must position its youth to benefit from these opportunities.
Pantami further disclosed plans to establish partnerships that would expose Gombe youths to international learning opportunities, including programmes that would enable them to acquire dual education and technical training in countries such as Switzerland.
He explained that such initiatives would combine classroom education with hands-on vocational experience, producing graduates equipped with globally recognised skills.
Beyond digital innovation, Pantami said vocational education would receive equal attention under his proposed administration.
He listed trades such as carpentry and other technical professions among the areas where young people would receive practical training to improve self-reliance and stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
According to him, empowering artisans and entrepreneurs with modern skills and access to opportunities would strengthen the state’s economy while reducing unemployment.
The former minister also promised to implement programmes specifically targeted at women and girls, describing their empowerment as essential to the development of society.
He said greater investment would be made in girls’ education, skills acquisition, healthcare and economic empowerment, adding that educating a girl remains one of the most effective ways of transforming families and communities.
Pantami pledged to expand opportunities for women through policies that would improve their standard of living and enable them to contribute more actively to the state’s economic development.
He also spoke about creating an enabling environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive, saying government should provide the necessary support for young people to translate their ideas into successful businesses.
According to him, strengthening human capital would not only improve productivity but also reduce poverty and enhance Gombe State’s competitiveness in the national and global economy.
The comments come amid increasing political discussions ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State, with various stakeholders outlining their visions for the state’s future.
Pantami’s remarks place strong emphasis on education, digital transformation, vocational skills, youth empowerment and women’s development as the key pillars of his proposed agenda, arguing that long-term prosperity depends not only on infrastructure but also on investing in people.
