Governor Fintiri Receives Outstanding Sports Development Award

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, of Adamawa State, has been honoured by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for his Outstanding Contributions to Sports Development in the state.

The award, presented at the Government House, Yola, by SWAN’s National Welfare Secretary, Mr. Austin Ajayi, recognizes the Governor’s transformative policies that have revitalized sports in Adamawa.

Governor Fintiri, while receiving the plaque, expressed appreciation to SWAN, describing the honour as heartwarming and inspiring. “This award affirms our administration’s commitment to sports development. It motivates us to do even more, as sports remain a vital tool for youth engagement, peacebuilding, and national unity,” he said.

He noted that the state is witnessing renewed investment in sports infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of a world-class stadium. “Once the first phase is completed, we’ll immediately commence the second. Our goal is to make Adamawa a hub of sporting excellence and a beacon for young talents,” he assured.

The event formed part of activities marking SWAN’s 60th anniversary.

Governor Fintiri Reaffirms Commitment to Educational Reforms and Innovation as 42 Students Bag First Class Honours at ADSU

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transforming education in the state through strategic reforms, innovation, and infrastructure development.

Speaking at the 15th, 16th, and 17th combined convocation ceremony of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, Governor Fintiri congratulated the 9,225 graduates, describing their achievements as “a beacon of hope for a better society.”

Of the graduating students, 42 earned First Class Honours, 1,734 Second Class Upper, 5,252 Second Class Lower, 1,842 Third Class, and one graduated with a Pass Degree. In the postgraduate category, the University awarded 22 PhDs, 100 MScs, 47 MPAs, and several Postgraduate Diplomas covering the 2022–2025 academic sessions.

Governor Fintiri, who serves as the University’s Visitor, restated his resolve to revolutionize education through sustained investment, international scholarships, and institutional growth.

“Education remains the only hope for the ordinary man. When all else fails, it is your knowledge, skills, and integrity that will bail you out,” he stated.

He commended the University’s management, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Augustine Clement and Pro-Chancellor Professor Maxwell Gidado (SAN, OON), for positioning ADSU as a centre of academic excellence. The Governor also emphasized the need to tie professorial promotions to impactful research that addresses real-world problems.

Highlighting key initiatives under his Eight-Point Recalibrated Agenda, Fintiri announced the construction of mega science and technical schools across all 21 local government areas and the establishment of the Adamawa State College of Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Studies (COTIES), Gulak, set to commence operations in January 2026.

He also unveiled a new foreign scholarship scheme, “Project Wings,” under which 100 students will depart for Turkey next week, while another 200 will proceed to Australia and Canada by January 2026. In addition, the Governor disclosed plans to recruit 5,000 new teachers and to commence new infrastructural projects at ADSU, including internal road construction, a perimeter fence, and new faculties of Law, Engineering, and Medicine.

Vice Chancellor Professor Augustine Clement appreciated the state government, donor agencies, and partners for their continued support in transforming ADSU into a globally competitive institution.

As part of the ceremony, the University conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three eminent Nigerians: Alhaji (Dr.) Mohammed Indimi – Doctor of Law (LL.D); Alhaji (Dr.) Abdul Samad Rabiu, CON – Doctor of Business Administration (DBA); and Most Rev. (Dr.) Dami Mamza – Doctor of Theology (D.Th).