Adamawa 2027: Girei’s record in education, grassroots development makes him best choice – Waziri
Prof. M. Waziri, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Federal University Gashua, has endorsed Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei for the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State, describing the All Progressives Congress aspirant as the most credible “transformation candidate” for the position.
In a statement, Prof. Waziri praised Dr. Girei’s record in public service, describing him as a veteran administrator and education specialist whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the state’s education sector and grassroots development.
According to him, Dr. Girei earned the reputation of being a “Tested Hand” because of his performance in several public offices.
As Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Dr. Girei supervised the construction and rehabilitation of storey school buildings across urban and rural communities.
Prof. Waziri said the intervention improved learning conditions, reduced disparities in access to education, increased school enrolment and strengthened teacher training programmes.
“Thousands of pupils in underserved areas now have better access to quality basic education because of his leadership,” he said.
Dr. Girei later served as Commissioner for Higher Education and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
While serving in the local government ministry, he introduced joint accounts for local government projects, a move Prof. Waziri said promoted transparency and inclusive development.
At the federal level, Dr. Girei served as Deputy Director of Research and Development at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, where he gained further experience in educational infrastructure funding and human capital development.
Prof. Waziri also highlighted Dr. Girei’s international collaborations, including research work with the University of Sussex on primary education, saying it reflected his commitment to evidence based policy making.
He said Dr. Girei’s proposed Adamawa Transformation Mission is centred on security through community engagement, education reform, agricultural development, healthcare improvement, economic growth, peace building and servant leadership.
“These are not empty promises but logical extensions of a career already defined by tangible achievements,” Prof. Waziri stated.
The professor further claimed that support for Dr. Girei’s governorship ambition has continued to grow, with endorsements from APC stakeholders, youth groups, traditional rulers, technocrats, farmers, students and party leaders across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Former Governor Admiral Murtala Nyako was also listed among prominent supporters of the aspirant.
At 54, Dr. Girei is being projected by supporters as a leader with strong grassroots connections and federal level experience capable of addressing rural challenges while attracting national partnerships and development opportunities to Adamawa State.
Prof. Waziri concluded by expressing optimism about Dr. Girei’s chances in the 2027 race.
“Well done, and good luck, Dr. Girei. Adamawa is ready for the transformation you represent,” he said.