By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse In a strategic move to revamp the education sector and empower youths with practical skills, the Jigaw...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
In a strategic move to revamp the education sector and empower youths with practical skills, the Jigawa State Government has commissioned the newly upgraded Center of Excellence on Technical and Vocational Training in Garki, Garki Local Government Area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Umar Namadi described the event as a milestone in Jigawa’s journey toward educational reform and economic empowerment.
“Today marks an important day for us in our pursuit of a greater Jigawa and in our efforts to improve educational standards in the state. We are commissioning one of the schools we have designated as a Center of Excellence to provide vocational and technical education to our students,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the foundational work of the previous administration, noting that the facility was originally constructed at a cost of nearly ₦635 million. Upon assuming office, his administration restructured the institution into a Center of Excellence through substantial upgrades.
“When we came in and decided to convert it into a Center of Excellence, we undertook several renovations, including building additional hostels and general infrastructure upgrades, which cost nearly ₦700 million,” he added.
To further elevate the institution’s status, the state government awarded a contract worth over ₦600 million for the construction of modern workshops and is in the process of finalizing a ₦3.1 billion contract for the procurement of technical training equipment.
“All of these efforts are to ensure that the school truly becomes a Center of Excellence for vocational and technical education in the state,” Governor Namadi emphasized.
He revealed that the school has already admitted its first batch of over 200 students—both male and female—drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state.
“We conducted rigorous entrance exams and interviews in all LGAs. The best eight students from each LGA were selected, comprising approximately 130 males and 75 females,” he said.
The school will commence academic activities with three foundational courses: Welding and Fabrication, Building Technology, and Catering Services.
“As we progress, we will expand the curriculum, build more workshops, and acquire more equipment,” the governor added.
Governor Namadi emphasized that this initiative is part of a larger vision to build a strong base of middle- and high-level manpower in Jigawa.
“This school will serve as a feeder institution to a higher-level vocational training school in Babura. We plan to invest over ₦20 billion to equip that institution with state-of-the-art facilities,” he announced.
He further disclosed that similar vocational schools are being planned across the state to train specialists in welding, painting, scaffolding, fabrication, and other technical fields.
The governor reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through education and skills acquisition.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide sustainable livelihoods for our teeming youth. We are determined to ensure that every student in Jigawa State has access to the best opportunities to pursue a career of their choice,” he affirmed.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed; Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin; and other stakeholders from across the state and beyond.
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