Professor of Policy Analysis, Sam Amdir once defined policy analysis as a methodological instrument for identifying the operational strengths and weaknesses of any policy after implementation. He further posited that "policy analysis essentially deals with the determination of various alternative policy choices that can produce defined set of goals, based on the relationships between policies and goals and that in doing this, "the methodological must define the problems, evaluate the criteria, identify the alternatives and recommend the best policy agenda".

In Governor Dankwambo's Gombe Sate, policies are presented and implemented in its more refined and intellectual aspects as the state chief executive is excited by ambition far beyond selfish reasons. In his first official broadcast to the state on May 29, 2011, he said: "I intend to put to the service of humanity, the gifts of knowledge, character and skills that Allah has endowed me with".

A consummate policy strategist and one of Nigeria's finest models in the art of governance, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, is focused on the development of the human mind and the evolution of an egalitarian society. His inspiration, professionalism and intellectual strength to propel the machinery of government, according to Professor Akinjide Osuntokun, emeritus professor of History and former Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Germany, presents a symbol of hope and renaissance for the current and future generation of leaders in Nigeria".

In his first year in office as Gombe State chief executive, Governor Dankwambo has demonstrated an unequal skill in his revolutionary drive of transforming all the institutional framework of governance, employing in its wake, the report of the various Economic Transformation Committees whose articulated roadmap and blueprint have accounted for the phenomenal developmental landmarks widely acclaimed by political pundits as the best-ever in the state's political history.

In a state among the lowest rated under the statutory allocation index with a monthly wage bill of 75% of total revenue earnings, his prudence in the management of scarce resources readily comes to mention, applying on a scale hitherto unknown, one of the most drastic structural adjustments in government spending.

For instance, comparative analysis of government expenditure on general administration has been axed down from the previous 70% to a mere 10% within the first year of his administration to pave way for the implementation of capital projects as enunciated in his 2012 budget christened the 'Budget of Reality' which has now become the hallmark of his administrative finesse.

His administration's revolutionary zeal in the field of education is better understood, given a situation where the current enrolment of pupils is stagnated in a state endowed with abundant natural resources under a most favourable climatic condition nature could bestow, which explains why over 70% of the populace are agrarian farmers.

Governor Dankwambo's contribution to the advancement of learning within the 20 months of his administration in the state is colossal which qualifies Gombe State as one of the fastest growing states in terms of human capital and manpower resources. A journey into the state's developmental landmarks in the education sector revealed an expenditure of well over N4 billion within the first four months of his administration compared to the previous administration's capital expenditure of N1.8 billion in eight years in the same sector.

Evident on the list of Governor Dankwambo's pragmatic approach to the development of higher education, the establishment of the following higher institutions of learning readily comes to the fore, viz: the establishment of a pilot programme and School of Remedial Studies at Kumo in Akko local government area of the state, affiliated to the University of Maiduguri, provided with a whopping sum of N4.1 billion for building of hostels, classrooms, libraries and laboratories; College of Education at Billiri as a resource project to cater for the state's manpower resources, especially in the teaching profession; the establishment of a State Polytechnic at Bajoga in Funkaye local government area of the state to facilitate the advancement of technical and allied courses; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe; School of Health Technology, Kaltungo including the establishment of a model school in all the 11 local government areas of the state.

Also, it is noteworthy that the Dankwambo-led administration approved the sum of well over N500 million for the purchase of equipment for the newly-established College of Medical and Pharmaceutical Science at Gombe State University adjudged as the best state-run university in the country.

In addition to these, is the fact that the administration has completely rebuilt and renovated well over 40 primary and secondary schools in the state, while similar expansion works have reached advanced stage on the Central Primary School, Gombe; Gabukka Primary School; Herwagana Primary School; Abubakar Umar Memorial School, Army Barrack and four new technical colleges. The expansion work include complete turn around of the schools covering new structures like hostels, laboratories, libraries, administrative blocks, among others.

In its effort to advance the course of post-secondary education in the state, the administration purchased 2,500 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms, distributed to qualified students while it sent 200 students on sponsorship programme on Maritime study at the Maritime school in Akwa Ibom State.

Among other measures the administration is taking to revamp the education sector, includes the prompt allocations of sufficient financial resources to accommodate enrolment and expansion needs of its schools, charging managers of human resources in the state's education sector to prepare for, and consciously seek to attain and sustain major improvements across the tiers of the state's education sector.

-Abubakar is Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Gombe State Governor