Get Guardian on GoogleThe Jigawa State Chapter of JAGABA/DANMODI Students’ Mandate 2027, on Monday, inaugurated campus ambassadors to mobilise students across tertiary institutions in the state for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi in the 2027 general elections.
The group said its support for the two leaders was informed by what it described as significant investments and interventions in education, skills development and youth empowerment at the federal and state levels.
The Convener of the group, Comrade Abdullahi Abdu Boyi, disclosed this in a statement following the inauguration of the campus ambassadors, describing the initiative as a strategic effort to build a structured student mobilisation network across tertiary institutions in Jigawa.
He said the group’s mandate was anchored on what it described as tangible achievements in the education sector, which it claimed had positively impacted students and residents of the state.
Among the federal government’s initiatives highlighted by the group was the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme, which it claimed had benefited more than 1.6 million students, with over N322 billion disbursed across participating institutions.
The students also stated that Massive TVET/Skills Investment of the federal government target to train over one million youths across 1,600 centres, with free tuition, monthly stipends and starter packs in trades such as electrical work, welding and digital skills.
Boyi commended the Tinubu administration for reaching an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which it said had helped address longstanding industrial disputes in the university system, alongside improvements in salaries, research funding and working conditions
He said: “We are here to launch a movement that will engage students on the successes recorded in education. The Campus Ambassadors will take this message to campuses, engage fellow students and ensure that young people are properly informed about the interventions affecting their education and future.
“We are also aware that TETFund Infrastructure Projects have been approved across higher institutions nationwide while billions of naira in grants awarded for research projects in tertiary institutions have been approved.”
The group also lauded Governor Namadi’s strides in the education sector, citing the administration’s investments in basic, secondary and tertiary education, as well as youth empowerment.
The group noted that more than 17,000 teachers had been trained under the Jigawa UNITES programme. In addition, the government employed 2,177 graduates and recruited 149 first-class graduates into tertiary institutions which created opportunities for young people.
Boyi added, “Jigawa allocated 32 per cent of its state budget to education in 2024 and maintained education as a major priority, allocating 26 per cent in 2026. The government also declared a state of emergency on education, aimed at addressing learning gaps and improving educational standards across the state.
“The state introduced free education for girls from primary school to PhD level in state-owned institutions as part of efforts to improve female enrolment, retention and access to higher education. It is also implementing the AGILE programme to support girls’ education, alongside mass literacy programmes.
“On teacher recruitment, Gov. Namadi increased the teacher workforce from 2,566 to 5,986 to address shortages across schools. Through the J-TEACH initiative, 7,000 personnel were recruited, with 3,000 made permanent. The government also added 3,000 fresh teachers and 4,200 personnel for senior secondary schools.
“In basic education, over 3,000 classrooms, 500 boreholes and 1,200 toilets have been provided to improve the learning and access to basic facilities in schools across the state. The administration also constructed three mega boarding Tsangaya schools, each designed to accommodate 1,500 pupils, with a combined capacity of 4,500.
“The intervention targets 12,000 Almajirai through improved access to learning facilities. To support nomadic and Almajiri education, the government distributed uniforms to 11,000 nomadic and 3,800 Almajiri pupils.
“As part of efforts to promote inclusive education, the administration provided 300 bicycles and wheelchairs for students with disabilities. It also established eight TVET centres of excellence alongside seven existing technical schools to expand technical and vocational training and equip young people with skills.
“Gov. Namadi has provided internet connectivity in all 293 senior secondary schools in the state to support digital learning, research and access to educational resources. It also supplied 3,500 double beds and 3,840 mattresses to boarding schools, alongside the construction and rehabilitation of various facilities.”
The group further highlighted the administration’s scholarship and bursary interventions. In 2025, the government reportedly spent ₦8.1 billion on scholarships for nearly 35,000 students, while it allocated ₦10 billion for scholarship support in 2026, including for lecturers. The administration also provided ₦1.5 billion in bursaries to 22,388 students studying in 83 institutions to support their educational expenses.
The government has also sponsored students for studies abroad, including 193 students in Cyprus under a programme valued at ₦892 million, with beneficiaries required to return and serve the state. In 2025, the administration introduced the DanModi Students Care special scholarship programme to provide additional support to students and improve access to education.
The group also cited the government’s support for the development of the Faculty of Medicine and student hostel facilities at Sule Lamido University to expand academic programmes and improve students’ accommodation. The 2026 budget provided ₦700 million for Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, and ₦900 million for the College of Education, Gumel, to support institutional development.
The group further commended Governor Namadi’s administration for empowering over 500,000 youths, women and traders over the last three years with additional ₦1 billion in grants and loans to support small businesses.
“The administration also sponsored 500 students for artificial intelligence and emerging technology courses in partnership with the World Bank, under an intervention valued at more than ₦100 million.
“The newly inaugurated Campus Ambassadors were charged with the responsibility of grassroots mobilization and engaging students on education programmes executed at both federal and state levels.
“We cannot afford to return to a past where young people were denied opportunities, schools lacked basic facilities and students struggled to access quality education. The JAGABA/DANMODI STUDENTS’ MANDATE 2027 is committed to ensuring that the voices of Jigawa students are heard and their interests protected.”
