Sir: Education is the backbone of every developed society, driving progress in medicine, technology, agriculture, and countless other fields. Yet, Jigawa State struggles to harness this potential. National and international reports highlight alarmingly low literacy rates, with general literacy at 25-30 per cent and adult literacy at 38.3 per cent.
This places Jigawa among the bottom four states in Nigeria, trailing only Taraba, Katsina, and Borno. Adding to this challenge is a school dropout rate of 82.3 per cent, a predominantly rural population reliant on farming, and recurring issues like flooding and farmer-herder conflicts.
These socio-economic barriers hinder Jigawa’s progress and exacerbate its shortage of professionals in medicine, engineering, and research. Financial constraints further lock out many talented youths from higher education, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment.
However, history shows that bold investments in education can reverse such trends. From 2007 to 2015, under Governor Sule Lamido’s administration, Jigawa became a beacon of educational hope. The Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship Programme sent hundreds of students to countries like Singapore, equipping them with critical skills in fields such as ICT.
Each year, the top 100 students were sponsored to study abroad, and first-class graduates were automatically awarded postgraduate scholarships. These merit-based initiatives transformed the state’s skills landscape. Beneficiaries returned as changemakers, filling gaps in tertiary institutions and other sectors, triggering a ripple effect of progress.
Unfortunately, subsequent administrations failed to sustain this momentum, leading to stagnation in human capital development. Meanwhile, other states are making significant strides. Kano State, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has sponsored over 2,000 postgraduate students for both foreign and domestic studies within a year.
Similarly, Senator Barau Jibrin has sponsored over 70 students for international scholarships and supported more than 300 others in Nigerian universities. These efforts are transforming Kano into a hub of professionals, driving innovation and growth.
Jigawa must learn from these successes and reclaim its leadership in education. Investing in postgraduate scholarships can empower youth, address critical skills gaps, and establish centres of excellence. Programmeslike Kwankwasiyya Postgraduate Scholarships, initiated by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, serve as a proven model.
Graduates from this initiative now excel globally as doctors, engineers, and researchers, showcasing the transformative power of education. Jigawa already contributed significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, accounting for over 75 per cent of the nation’s farm exports in 2023, according to the Nigerian Shipper’s Council.
Combining this strength with strategic investments in education can position the state as a leader in multiple sectors, both nationally and internationally.
Governor Umar Namadi has a golden opportunity to rewrite Jigawa’s narrative. By prioritising postgraduate scholarships, he can unlock the potential of Jigawa’s youth, foster innovation, and drive sustainable development.
These graduates will not only bridge gaps in education, health, and agriculture but also inspire future generations to dream beyond limitations. Jigawa must rise above its challenges by investing in its people. With visionary leadership and strategic focus, the state can transform from a rural backwater into a hub of intellectual prowess, economic strength, and global relevance.
Muhammad Abubakar Tahir is a PRNigeria fellow based in Hadejia, Jigawa State.
