Jigawa Unveils 10-Year Development Plan For Basic Education

The Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Institute for Educational Planning, has launched a 10-year strategic development plan for the state’s basic education sector, covering 2026 to 2035.

The plan is aimed at repositioning foundational skills and improving learning outcomes across the state.

The document was developed in consultation with education managers, policymakers, community leaders, civil society organisations and donor partners to ensure a comprehensive approach to securing the future of children in the state.

The 10-year State Education Strategic Plan (SESP 2026–2035), along with the three-year State and Local Operational Plans (SESOP and LESOP), was produced through a European Union-funded project known as the Education and Youth Empowerment in Northern Nigeria (EYEPINN).

The project is being implemented by UNICEF in Jigawa and other selected states.

Speaking at the launch, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Basic Education, Hon.

Lawal Yunusa Danzomo, expressed gratitude to the donor partners and all stakeholders who contributed to the development of the document.

He noted that the document has been officially adopted and will be implemented in line with the operational plan, with full budgetary support.

Danzomo added that the Jigawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, is fully committed to collaborating with any partner in its efforts to reposition the state’s education sector.

“The broader educational agenda of Governor Namadi’s administration includes providing an enabling environment for every child to have access to quality education at all levels, regardless of economic status or geographical location, strengthening foundational skills, and improving learning outcomes. This document is fully aligned with that agenda,” he said.

In his remarks, the UNICEF representative, Mr Muttaqa Muktar Muhammad, a UNICEF Education Specialist, stated that the 10-year educational strategic development plan was designed to provide operational guidance for strengthening the education system and ensuring that it responds to community needs.

“The strategic plan will provide comprehensive operational guidance that will help in making realistic budgeting aligned with priority needs and address both short- and long-term challenges in the state’s basic education sector,” he stated.

In her address, Dr Diborah Shofoyeke, Director-General/Chief Executive of NIEPA, explained that the 10-year educational plan was designed to strengthen coordination, address gaps, align the state policy with the Federal Government’s Basic Education policy, improve gender and social inclusiveness, tackle the high rate of out-of-school children, and generally make learning accessible to every child.

“We are encouraging the Jigawa State Government to keep investing in education. More investment and transparent implementation will attract greater support and intervention from donor partners to the state,” Dr Shofoyeke stated.