Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has asserted that no sector offers greater future value to the state than education, identifying it as the most dependable path and the most robust investment for sustained development and stability.
Governor Namadi articulated this viewpoint on Saturday during the 2nd combined Convocation Ceremony of Sule Lamido University, Kafin-Hausa (SLUK), held at the university's Convocation Arena. The event celebrated graduates from six academic sessions, spanning 2018/2019 through 2024/2025, and also included the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees upon distinguished individuals.
Describing the occasion as more than a standard academic event, Governor Namadi hailed it as a significant milestone in the university's history since its inception over a decade ago. He stated, “Education remains our most sustainable investment, and for any entity, there is no greater asset than its Human Resources.
“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. I most warmly rejoice with the members of the university community on this yet another historic and memorable occasion.”
He acknowledged the foundational efforts and continued support that have propelled the university's progress, attributing its current achievements to consistent effort rather than chance.
Governor Namadi reiterated his administration's commitment to prioritizing education in governance, noting that allocations to the sector have consistently comprised between 26% and 30% of the state's annual budget in recent years, yielding observable improvements across educational institutions.
“This has translated into significant improvements in infrastructure, teaching and learning outcomes, and organizational environment, as well as pupils’ and students’ enrolments with appreciable reduction in the number of out-of-school children in the state.
“It is also worthy of note that in an effort to improve technical and vocational education & training in the state, we have transformed eight senior secondary schools across the state into real centers of excellence with all the requisite teaching equipment and instructional materials.”
“To support the TVET Program beyond secondary levels, we have also begun the transformation and improvement of our College of Remedial and Advanced Studies based in Babura so it could absorb students from the Centres of Excellence for higher certificates in line with the National TVET Curriculum.”
The governor also highlighted initiatives to expand access to higher education, confirming the state's takeover of a private university in Majia, Taura Local Government Area. Plans are in progress to reconfigure it into a specialized institution focusing on medical and allied health sciences through a public-private partnership.
“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 specialised university for medical and allied health sciences. It is also our intention to operate the university based on a public-private partnership.”
Regarding Sule Lamido University, he detailed several ongoing projects, including the establishment of a Faculty of Medicine, new student hostels, staff housing, 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. We aspire to elevate SLUK to the status of a world-class institution, highly ranked both within Nigeria and internationally, In Shaa Allah,” the governor stated.
In addition to physical infrastructure, the governor pointed to investments in utilities, staff development, and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the overall educational environment.
He also drew attention to the creation of the Wetland Research Centre, framing it as part of a comprehensive response to environmental issues within the 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 elaborated.
Addressing the graduating students, Governor Namadi reminded them of their academic journey and urged them to uphold principles of integrity and dedication to service throughout their lives.
He pledged continued government support for tertiary institutions statewide, with a focus on fostering partnerships, research, and innovation that can create opportunities for youth and promote sustainable development in Jigawa State.
A total of 4,109 Bachelor's degrees were awarded during the ceremony. The event also marked the installation of the university's new Chancellor, Alhaji Umar Faruk II, the Emir of Katagum.
The three prominent individuals awarded honorary degrees were: the new 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.
The governor extended congratulations to the graduating students, the honorary degree recipients, and the entire university community for the successful convocation.
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