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The Civil Society Coalition on Peace, Security, and Conflict Resolution has honoured the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, with an award of excellence. The honour recognises his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the state’s educational development.
The award was presented to the governor on Sunday at the Council Chamber, Government House, Dutse. The ceremony took place during a one-day roundtable discussion on basic education, chaired by the Coalition’s chairperson, Muhammad Musbahu Basirka, alongside key stakeholders.
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The plaque symbolises Governor Namadi’s role as an “Architect of Educational Excellence,” acknowledging his deliberate reforms that prioritise access, quality, and equity within the basic education sector.
These milestones include infrastructure investment, sustained funding for the renovation and construction of school facilities, robust teacher recruitment and professional development programs, and the implementation of strategies to ensure learning opportunities for all, thereby securing a brighter future for the next generation.
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During the presentation, the Coalition noted that Governor Namadi’s agenda has transitioned from rhetoric to practical action, laying a solid foundation for a more prosperous and socially stable Jigawa State. According to them, his leadership continues to inspire confidence among stakeholders, reinforcing the belief that education is the ultimate cornerstone for regional peace.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to a constructive partnership with the Jigawa State Government to further advance reforms that secure improved learning outcomes and long-term human capital development.
Reforms in the education sector
Under Governor Namadi’s administration, Jigawa State has moved aggressively to tackle the challenges of “out-of-school” children and low literacy rates.
The state recently embarked on a massive recruitment drive to fill the gap in primary and secondary schools. Conversion of thousands of temporary “J-Teach” volunteers into permanent civil service roles to ensure stability and morale within the teaching workforce.
Governor Namadi’s “12-Point Agenda” identifies education as a top priority. A significant portion of the state’s annual budget—often exceeding the UNESCO-recommended 20%—is allocated to the education sector.
The government has strengthened ties with international and local agencies, such as UBEC (Universal Basic Education Commission) and UNICEF, to improve school enrollment, particularly for girls and children in rural areas.
There is an ongoing push to integrate ICT into basic education and modernise the “Tsangaya” (traditional Quranic) school system by introducing vocational skills, ensuring that students are competitive in the modern economy.
