On Monday, the [Jigawa State Executive Council](https://www.jigawastate.gov.ng/) approved a budget of ₦1.48 billion for constituency development across all 30 constituencies and ratified a new Jigawa State Policy on Gender in Education aimed at expanding quality schooling for every child regardless of gender or economic status.
The council’s decision was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, [Alhaji Sagir Musa](https://www.jigawastate.gov.ng/commissioner-information-youth-sports- culture). He detailed that the allocated sum – precisely ₦1,478,046,426.30 – will fund the construction, completion and renovation of Juma’at and daily‑prayer mosques, as well as housing for district and village heads. Additional works include interlocking paving, perimeter walls for graveyards, solar power installations, generator procurement, and the supply and fitting of prayer carpets. "These interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each constituency and to bolster religious and traditional facilities," Musa said.
**What types of projects are covered?**
The approved works span religious, traditional and infrastructural needs. Mosque upgrades aim to improve worship spaces, while new homes for local chiefs address accommodation gaps. Civil works such as interlocking and graveyard walls enhance community safety, and renewable‑energy solutions like solar panels are intended to reduce power outages.
**How will the gender education policy be implemented?**
The council also endorsed the [Jigawa State Policy on Gender in Education](https://www.jigawastate.gov.ng/policy-gender-education) together with its Implementation Guidelines. Developed with assistance from the Jigawa State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment ([AGILE Project](https://www.agileproject.org/)), the policy targets socio‑cultural barriers that hinder school enrolment, attendance, retention and learning outcomes for adolescent girls and other vulnerable groups. It calls for stronger institutional capacity, active community participation, and coordinated action among government agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, parents and other stakeholders.
**What broader goals does the policy support?**
The framework seeks to eliminate harmful cultural practices that limit children’s educational potential, especially for girls. It aligns with Nigeria’s national education priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (quality education) and 5 (gender equality), reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive learning environments.
Overall, the dual approval of substantial constituency funding and a gender‑responsive education strategy underscores Jigawa’s effort to address both infrastructural deficits and systemic inequities, positioning the state for more balanced social and economic development.