Jigawa govt approves N8bn for education, other projects

The Jigawa government has approved N8.1 billion for execution of viable education, water and healthcare infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Dutse by Sagir Musa, Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture.

He said that the State Executive Council, SEC, approved the fund during its meeting on Monday chaired by Gov. Umar Namadi.

Musa said that the fund was provided to facilitate implementation of the Technical, Vocational Eeducation, TVET, programme, provision of water facilities, solar-powered public lighting and completion of the Hadejia Specialist Hospital project.

He said the gesture was in furtherance of the Namadi administration efforts to strengthen service delivery, improve infrastructure and deepen citizens’ participation in governance.

The commissioner said that N1.1 billion was provided for the training of 150 TVET instructors in China, to cover tuition, training, accommodation, visa processing fees, health insurance, air tickets, living allowances, medical examinations and estacode for two accompanying government officials.

He said the initiative aims to expose instructors to modern teaching methodologies, technical innovations and industry-relevant practices, to strengthen TVET delivery in the newly established vocational centres and existing science and technical schools.

“This investment is aimed at building a stronger and more responsive TVET system capable of equipping young people with practical, employable and entrepreneurial skills required in emerging technical fields,” he said.

On water supply, Musa said that N450.405 million was allocated for the conversion of 15 motorised water schemes to solar-powered systems across communities in Kafin Hausa, Auyo, Malam Madori, Kirikasamma, Birniwa, Kaugama, Dutse, Kiyawa, Buji, Birnin Kudu and Jahun local government areas.

Musa said that N1.907 billion would finance the construction and conversion of additional solar-powered water facilities across the state.

He said that the projects comprised 63 simple solar-powered boreholes; 37 converted hand-pumps, 182 AfriDev hand-pumps and six-compartment student toilets with solar-powered water facilities at 17 locations.

The commissioner said that the projects were expected to improve access to potable water, reduce operational costs associated with conventional energy sources and enhance sanitation and hygiene in benefiting communities and schools.

Musa said that the council also approved N932.605 million for the supply and installation of integrated standalone solar streetlights in 42 semi-urban towns across the state.

He said that the project would improve public safety, enhance night-time mobility, support commercial activities and extend modern public infrastructure to communities outside the major urban centres.

In the health sector, Musa said that N2.111 billion was earmarked for the completion of the 250-bed capacity Specialist Hospital, Hadejia.

He said that the SEC approved N467.221 million for procurement of 7,500 free delivery packs to be distributed to nursing mothers across the state.

“The completion of the Specialist Hospital, Hadejia will significantly strengthen the state’s capacity to provide specialised medical services, while the free (Mama Kits) will support safe and hygienic childbirth practices and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes,” he said.

On security, Musa said the council approved the allocation of land for the 262 Tank Battalion in Gumel, and directed the Ministry of Lands to expedite necessary documentation to facilitate the battalion’s operational take-off.

He described the decision as part of the state government’s commitment to support security agencies, to enhance protection of lives and property in the state.

Musa said that the newly approved “Gwamnati Da Jama’a Citizens’ Engagement Committee” would develop data-driven frameworks and coordinate continuous dialogue between government, communities and civil society organisations, to ensure that citizens’ voices remain central to governance and development processes.

He said the approvals reflected the Namadi administration’s integrated approach to human capital development, water security, healthcare delivery, sustainable energy infrastructure and participatory governance.

According to Musa, the projects will improve access to essential public services, strengthen economic opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life of tyeresidents.

NAN