The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has firmly rejected claims that Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, neglected education in favor of religious infrastructure.
Governor Namadi accused of spending over N1.5b on religious infrastructure at the expense of education, however, the forum defended the Jigawa Governor insisting that the administration is committed to a balanced approach that will advance both educational and religious needs.
In a statement issued by the PGF’s Director-General, Fulurunso Alunko, the forum declare that the allegations are misleading and politically motivated.
The statement emphasized that Namadi’s administration prioritized a balanced approach to governance, addressing the social, spiritual, and material needs of Jigawa’s citizens.
The PGF argued that the governor’s approach to governance is inclusive and focused on meeting the diverse needs of the state’s population, including substantial investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. The statement also clarified that the amount allegedly spent on religious infrastructure was far less than the funds allocated for educational initiatives, such as the construction of female student hostels at Sule Lamido University and the expansion of facilities at Lamido University and Hadejia School of Nursing.
In defense of the governor’s education record, the forum highlighted several initiatives, including the allocation of 30% of the 2024 budget to education, the recruitment of 9,000 teachers, the renovation of over 500 classrooms, and the supply of over 15,000 student seats.
“The governor also approved a N1.6 billion investment in female student hostels and made substantial commitments to higher education, including scholarships and sending students abroad to study medicine.”
Overall, the PGF stressed that Namadi’s administration continues to support the development of education alongside other critical sectors in Jigawa.
