BY: ISAH IBRAHIM GARBA.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate the state’s educational system in his first year stewardship.
His administration’s comprehensive strategy focuses on increasing the number of qualified teachers, optimizing the distribution of educational resources, and prioritizing education in the state budget. The initiatives highlight Governor Namadi’s dedication to educational development in Jigawa State.
The administration has employed 3,126 teachers specifically for basic schools. This significant increase aims to address the teacher-student ratio, ensuring that every child receives adequate attention and a quality education from the foundational level.
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Also, in a bid to further strengthen the basic education sector, 1,100 J-Teach graduates have been recruited. These individuals, trained under the Jigawa State Teaching Program, are equipped with modern teaching methodologies and are poised to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the classroom.
Furthermore, recognizing the importance of academic excellence, governor Namadi’s administration has employed 143 first-class graduates of Jigawa State origin.
These top-tier graduates will bring their expertise and commitment to the teaching profession, inspiring students and raising the overall educational standards in the state. In an effort to balance the teacher distribution, 2,200 teachers have been redeployed from basic schools to higher schools. This strategic move ensures that secondary schools are also well-staffed with qualified educators, thereby improving the quality of education at all levels.
To cater to the state’s growing student population, 76 additional teachers have been hired for mega schools to enhance and maintain a high standard of education.
The combined efforts of hiring new teachers and redeploying existing ones have resulted in nearly a 60% increase in the teaching workforce in Jigawa State.
This remarkable growth is expected to have a profound impact on the quality of education, decongestion of class Rooms, and allowing for more individualized instruction and support for students.
Governor Namadi’s commitment to education is further demonstrated by the allocation of 30% of the state’s 2024 budget to the education sector. This is significantly above the global standard recommended by UNESCO, which suggests that 15-20% of national budgets should be allocated to education. By dedicating such a substantial portion of the budget to education, the Governor underscores the importance of education as a catalyst for development and progress in Jigawa State.
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Governor Umar Namadi’s multifaceted approach to improving education in Jigawa State reflects a deep understanding of the critical role that education plays in societal development. Through the strategic employment and redeployment of teachers, alongside a substantial financial commitment, Governor Namadi is laying a strong foundation for the future of Jigawa State’s educational system. These efforts are expected to yield significant improvements in educational outcomes, preparing the youth of Jigawa State to contribute meaningfully to the state’s and the nation’s growth.
In this ambitious endeavor, the efforts of key stakeholders cannot go unnoticed.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Isa Yusuf Chamo, and the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have been instrumental in driving these initiatives.
Their dedication and hard work, alongside the team formed by His Excellency, have been pivotal in the successful implementation of these educational reforms. Their commitment to the Governor’s vision has been crucial in making these transformative changes a reality.
Isah Ibrahim Garba.
He can be reached on: madamuwa@yahoo.com