The Bauchi State Government has vehemently refuted media reports alleging that Governor Bala Mohammed described western education as worthless, labeling such claims as deliberate misrepresentations.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, described the publication as a calculated attempt to distort the governor's message during his engagement with youth groups.

The statement titled, "Rebuttal Against Distorted Media on the Position of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed CON, on the Value of Western Education," clarified that the governor had merely emphasized the importance of complementing formal education with practical skills to address challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and youth restiveness.

"Some sections of the media mischievously misquoted the governor, falsely claiming that he discouraged western education in favor of informal vocations such as driving," the commissioner stated, suggesting that the misinformation appeared to be a deliberate attempt to damage the governor's reputation and mislead the public.

The statement highlighted Governor Mohammed's personal and professional commitment to education, noting that he comes from a family with strong educational values—his father was a renowned headmaster. It further emphasized that the governor remains a staunch advocate for education who has made significant investments in the sector.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Bala Mohammed has never undermined the value of western education," the statement asserted.

The commissioner recalled that upon assuming office in 2019, Governor Mohammed declared a state of emergency in education, health, and the environment, demonstrating his commitment to educational development. The state government has consistently allocated the largest portion of its annual budget to education—exceeding the UNESCO benchmark—while also initiating the construction and rehabilitation of over 5,000 classroom blocks across Bauchi State.

Hon. Usman concluded by reaffirming the administration's dedication to quality education and youth empowerment through both formal learning and skill acquisition programs.