Governor Namadi Highlights Education as Jigawa's Premier Investment
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has unequivocally stated that education stands as the most valuable sector for the future of the state's students, labeling it the most dependable pathway to sustained development and stability. He delivered these remarks during the 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony of Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, which took place at the university's Convocation Arena last Saturday.
A Landmark Academic Gathering
The event brought together graduates from six consecutive academic sessions, spanning from 2018/2019 to 2024/2025, and also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees upon several distinguished individuals. Governor Namadi described the occasion as far more than a routine academic function, characterizing it as a significant milestone in the university's evolution since its establishment just over a decade ago.
"By all means, today’s occasion is very auspicious and dear to all of us, as we celebrate the graduation of six cohorts of first-degree graduates from 2018/2019 to 2024/2025 academic sessions and the award of honorary doctorate degrees to some deserving personalities," he said. "I most warmly rejoice with the members of the university community on this yet another historic and memorable occasion."
He took a moment to acknowledge the foundational efforts of those who established the university and those who have maintained its operations over the years, emphasizing that the progress achieved today results from consistent and deliberate effort rather than mere chance.
Education at the Core of Governance
Turning to policy matters, Governor Namadi reiterated his administration's firm stance that education must remain central to governance. He disclosed that allocations to the education sector have consistently ranged between 26 and 30 percent of the state budget in recent years, leading to tangible improvements across schools and tertiary institutions.
"This has translated into significant improvements in infrastructure, teaching and learning outcomes, and organisational environment, as well as pupils’ and students’ enrolments with appreciable reduction in the number of out-of-school children in the state," he explained.
In a bid to enhance technical and vocational education and training (TVET), the governor noted that eight senior secondary schools across Jigawa have been transformed into centers of excellence, equipped with all necessary teaching tools and instructional materials. To further support TVET beyond secondary levels, the state has initiated the transformation and improvement of the College of Remedial and Advanced Studies in Babura, enabling it to absorb students from these centers for higher certificates aligned with the National TVET Curriculum.
Expanding Access to Higher Education
Governor Namadi also addressed efforts to broaden access to higher education, confirming that the state has assumed control of a private university in Majia, Taura Local Government Area. Plans are underway to reshape it into a specialized institution focused on medical and allied health sciences under a public-private partnership model.
"Having completed all the necessary accreditation and formalities with the National Universities Commission, a bill is now before the state legislature seeking to transform the institution into a specialized university for medical and allied health sciences," he stated. "It is also our intention to operate the university based on a public-private partnership."
Infrastructure and Research Initiatives
At Sule Lamido University itself, Governor Namadi outlined several ongoing projects, including the development of a Faculty of Medicine, new student hostels, staff residences, a sabbatical lodge, a wetland research centre, and a new convocation arena. "Staying true to our commitment, not only have we resumed and completed these projects, but we have also embarked on fresh initiatives," he remarked. "We aspire to elevate SLUK to the status of a world-class institution, highly ranked both within Nigeria and internationally, In Shaa Allah."
Beyond physical infrastructure, the governor highlighted continuous investments in utilities, staff development, and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the overall learning environment. He also drew attention to the establishment of the Wetland Research Centre, describing it as part of a comprehensive response to environmental challenges in Jigawa State.
"The centre is expected to conduct scientific research, provide data for policy formulation, educate the public, and develop strategies for wetland restoration, carbon sequestration, and mitigating climate change," he added.
Honors and Recognitions
The convocation ceremony awarded a total of 4,109 Bachelor’s degrees and witnessed the installation of Alhaji Umar Faruk II, the Emir of Katagum, as the new and second Chancellor of the university. Three eminent personalities received honorary degrees: the newly appointed Chancellor, His Royal Highness the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Faruk II, OON; Mr. Hamdi El-Sayyid Abdou, Country Director of Qatar Charity Nigeria Office; and Mr. Hisham Mohammed Abdussalam, Executive Director of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) Office in Nigeria.
Governor Namadi extended his congratulations to the graduating students, honorary award recipients, and the entire university community for the successful convocation, reinforcing his belief that education remains the most sustainable investment for any entity, with human resources being its greatest asset.
