The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has presented an honour award to Jigawa state governor Malam Umar Namadi for his outstanding performance in supporting educational development and Teachers’ welfare.
The award was presented to the governor during the 2024 World Teachers Day celebration held in Dutse capital.
Speaking on the reasons for the presentation of the award of honor, the Chairman of NUT Jigawa State chapter, Comrade Abdulkadir Yunusa, said the commitment to revitalization and improving the state education sector and learning outcome demonstrated by Governor Namadi was unprecedented in the history of the state.
“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 source of concern.
“Today within a year Governor Malam 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 percent 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 students’ annual scholarship by over 150% to cover a minimum of 50 percent 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 effort made by the governor where 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 few among the numerous interventions and commitments made by Governor Namadi in enhancing the state education sector which currently resulted in significant improvement in the state learning outcome.
“Today, Jigawa students stand tall by emerging winners in different national and international education competitions, indeed Governor Namadi has rekindled our hope for a brighter future of 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,” the Chairman declared.
In his speech, Governor Namadi described teachers as a critical and indispensable partner in teaching and learning development in any given society.
The governor who was represented by his deputy Engr Aminu Usman described the award of honor as not only a symbol of appreciation but also a call for a more collaborative effort among all stakeholders for sustainable improvement of the state education sector which is among the major pillars for achieving prosperous and greater Jigawa.
