Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State announced that his administration is focusing its development efforts on building the educational prospects of its citizens rather than pursuing “white elephant projects” like flyovers.
Speaking on Wednesday during a courtesy visit from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) of Hussaini Adamu Polytechnic Kazaure, where he received the “Most Outstanding Education-Friendly Governor of the Decade” award, Governor Namadi stated that the widespread illiteracy among basic-level students in Jigawa is a significant concern that has guided his administration’s investment in education.
“The administration didn’t focus on giant projects like building flyovers and other white elephant projects, all those can not be useful without an educated society,” Mr. Namadi explained.
“We made deliberate efforts to ensure that we rebound the education sector and we started from all segments of the sector.”
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Acknowledging the long-standing neglect that has left many basic-level students illiterate, Namadi said his government is addressing these challenges through a multi-billion naira investment and a partnership with the educational firm NewGlobe.
He revealed that an analysis showed eight out of ten basic-level students in Jigawa were illiterate, leading his administration to declare a “state of emergency” in the sector.
“We don’t have any option than to take a deliberate effect to revamp the education sector, we went into contract with NewGlobe that cost us about N67 billion in the next five years, and the contract is being implemented in phases, the outcome of the contract is worth celebrating,” the Governor stated.
At the tertiary level, Namadi highlighted an unprecedented “overhaul” of institutions, where management and governing councils—previously run by politicians—are now managed purely by academicians.
He expressed confidence that these investments are “paying off,” with visible results and monitoring programs across various ministries, departments, and agencies.
While admitting the task is difficult, he noted encouraging progress, particularly in secondary schools, and efforts to achieve similar improvements at the basic level.
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