The Nigerian Union of Teachers has presented an honour award to Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi for his outstanding performance in supporting the state’s educational development and teacher welfare.
The award was presented to the governor during the 2024 World Teachers Day celebration in Dutse.
Speaking on the reasons for the award, the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teacher Jigawa state chapter, Comrade Abdulkadir Yunusa, said Governor Namadi’s commitment to revitalising and improving the state education sector and learning outcomes was unprecedented in the state’s history.
“I can remember when His Excellency was the deputy governor of the state; I presented a report to the then governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar on the case of over 30,000 teachers gap in the state, which was a big concern.”
“Today, within a year, Governor Umar Namadi has employed 7,000 permanent teachers while preparation has been concluded to employ another 3,500 temporary teachers; this is a great milestone in addressing the teachers gap in the state.”
“Governor Namadi has also allocated 32 per cent of the state 2024 annual budget to the Education sector, which is above the UNESCO average and also the largest in the country.”
“Governor Namadi has increased the student’s annual scholarship by over 150% to cover a minimum of 50 per cent of their annual registration fees, while hundreds of new classrooms were built, and many are undergoing total renovation to provide an enabling environment of teaching and learning in the state.”
The NUT chairman also cited the governor’s effort, in which he injected over N5 billion to rescue the State and Local Government Contributory Pension when it was in critical condition.
Comrade Yunusa added that these are a few of the numerous interventions and commitments made by Governor Namadi to enhance the state education sector, which has significantly improved the state learning outcome.
“Today, Jigawa students stand tall by emerging winners in national and international education competitions. Indeed, Governor Namadi has rekindled our hope for a brighter future in the Jigawa education sector.”
“In recognition of this performance, NUT Jigawa state chapter is today presenting an award of honour to his excellency Governor Malam Umar Namadi FCA as the biggest award is underway from our National Headquarters”, Chairman NUT declared.
In his speech, Governor Namadi described teachers as critical and indispensable partners in teaching and learning development in any given society.
The governor, who his deputy, Engr Aminu Usman, represented, described the award of honour as a symbol of appreciation and a call for a more collaborative effort among all stakeholders to improve the state education sector sustainably. The industry is among the significant pillars of achieving a prosperous and greater Jigawa.
