Jigawa Targets Growth In Digital Education, Agriculture, Water, Infrastructure

From solar-powered ICT centres and computer laboratories to irrigation projects and community infrastructure, the Jigawa State Government is investing billions of naira in initiatives to improve public services and stimulate economic development.

The state government has approved contracts and expenditure totalling approximately ₦3.94 billion for projects covering digital education, rural water supply, agricultural transformation, electricity access and constituency development.

The approvals were reached at the State Executive Council meeting held recently under the chairmanship of Governor Umar Namadi.

The decisions include ₦380.14 million for solar-powered systems at ICT centres and secondary schools, ₦432.60 million for 21 solar-powered water supply schemes and ₦977.97 million for a computer-based testing centre and computer laboratories.

The council also approved ₦1.48 billion for constituency projects across the state’s 30 constituencies and ₦675.13 million in compensation to property owners affected by agricultural transformation projects.
These investments reflect the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, human capital investment and agricultural modernisation.

Digital Infrastructure Takes Centre Stage

A major component of the approvals is the ₦380.14 million investment in solar-powered systems for ICT centres and 21 secondary schools.

The contract, valued at ₦380,139,008.85, covers ICT centres in the following locations: Marke, Auyo, Dutse, Kazaure, Malam Madori, Sule Tankarkar, Kaugama, Kafin Hausa, Garki, Miga, Birnin Kudu, Ringim, and Babura.

The intervention is expected to address unreliable electricity supply, which often disrupts technology-based learning, digital training and other activities in public ICT facilities.

Solar energy is expected to reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources, minimise operational disruptions and improve access to functional digital facilities, particularly in rural communities.

The government has also approved ₦977.97 million for a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre at the College of Health Sciences, Jahun, and computer laboratories in four secondary schools.

The CBT centre will cost ₦518.01 million, while ₦459.96 million has been allocated to the laboratories at Government Day Secondary School, Gwaram; Government Day Secondary School, Kazaure; Government Day Secondary School, Ringim; and Government Day Science and Technical College, Kafin Hausa.

The facilities are expected to improve access to modern computer equipment, strengthen practical ICT education and prepare students for computer-based examinations.

The CBT centre will also enhance the college’s capacity to conduct digital examinations and assessments.

However, sustained benefits will depend on reliable internet connectivity, trained personnel, maintenance and adequate operational funding.

Solar-Powered Water Projects Target Rural Communities

Access to potable water is another priority, with the council approving ₦432.60 million for 21 complete solar-powered water supply schemes.

The contract, valued at ₦432,596,016.33, will cover communities across several local government areas, including Kafin Hausa, Sule Tankarkar, Roni, Gwiwa, Kiyawa, Kaugama, Ringim, Babura, Birnin Kudu, Malam Madori, Garki, Miga, Yankwashi, Dutse, Buji, Kiri Kasamma, Gwaram and Jahun.

The benefiting communities include Afirzina, Tsagewa, Machiba, Suntima, Takwardawa, Dan Abzini, Kazuba Korau, Karamaga, Turmi Area, Dan’Makeri, Kafin Rabo, Garin Alhaji, Miga Bamaina, Jaka, Auyakari and Sabon Garin Katsinawa.

The adoption of solar technology is expected to reduce dependence on fuel-powered systems and conventional electricity, potentially lowering operating costs and improving water availability.

Beyond providing households with cleaner water, the projects could improve sanitation, public health and productivity in rural communities.

Agricultural Transformation Gets Boost

Agriculture remains central to Jigawa’s economic development ambitions, with the council approving ₦675.13 million as compensation to property owners affected by agricultural transformation projects.

The compensation, amounting to ₦675,125,393.20, will cover owners of affected structures, farmlands and economic trees under projects being implemented by the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA).

The projects include irrigation infrastructure, agro-industrial clusters and special agro-processing zones across designated locations, including Kuda Gangara in Yankwashi, Kazaure, Ringim, Dutse, Gwaram, Gumel, Malam Madori, Gujungu in Taura and Sara in Gwaram.

The compensation is intended to address losses incurred by farmers and other property owners whose assets will be affected by the developments.

Beyond facilitating access to land, the payment is important in managing the impact of agricultural investments on host communities.

The planned irrigation infrastructure and agro-processing facilities are expected to strengthen different stages of the agricultural value chain.

While irrigation could support year-round production, agro-industrial clusters and processing zones could create opportunities for investment, employment, processing and value addition.

For an agricultural state such as Jigawa, strengthening the connection between production and processing could improve the sector’s contribution to economic growth.

₦1.48bn for Constituency Projects

At the community level, the council approved ₦1.48 billion for constituency projects across the state’s 30 constituencies.

The contracts, valued at ₦1,478,046,426.30, are intended to address development needs in communities represented in the Jigawa State House of Assembly.

The projects include the construction, completion and renovation of Friday and daily prayer mosques, as well as houses for district and village heads.

Other interventions include interlocking works, perimeter walls around graveyards, solar installations, the procurement of generators, and the supply of prayer carpets and mats to designated facilities.

The projects are expected to improve facilities serving religious, traditional and community institutions.

Effective implementation, transparent procurement and proper monitoring will be essential to ensure that the approved funds translate into completed projects and tangible benefits for residents.

Gender Inclusion in Education

In another education-related decision, the council approved the Jigawa State Policy on Gender in Education and its Implementation Guidelines.

Developed with support from the Jigawa State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, the policy seeks to address socio-cultural barriers that affect access to education, participation, retention, and learning outcomes, particularly among girls and other vulnerable groups.

It provides a framework for tackling harmful practices that prevent children, especially adolescent girls, from achieving their educational potential.

The policy is also expected to strengthen institutional capacity and promote collaboration among government agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, parents and other stakeholders.

Its approval complements investments in physical educational infrastructure by addressing social and institutional barriers to schooling.

Implementation Will Determine Impact

The council’s approvals present a broad development agenda that combines infrastructure expansion, human capital investment, and agricultural transformation.

The emphasis on solar energy across ICT and water projects reflects an effort to use alternative energy to improve public service delivery and reduce operational challenges.

Similarly, investments in computer laboratories and digital examination facilities highlight the growing importance of technology in education, while agricultural projects seek to strengthen production, processing and value addition.