By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Jigawa Education Accountability Forum (JEAF) has commended Governor Malam Umar Namadi for approving over ₦779 million to provide vital teaching and learning materials aimed at strengthening basic education in the state.
JEAF, a State-Level Accountability Mechanism supported by the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), described the move as a direct response to its year-long advocacy on improved funding for schools and better incentives for School Support Officers (SSOs).
Co-Chair of JEAF, Malam Tasi’u Abubakar, said in a statement that the forum, with technical support from PLANE, had earlier conducted spot checks on the availability and usage of teaching and learning materials (TLMs) in schools across Jigawa. Their findings, he noted, played a key role in shaping the government’s intervention.
“JEAF and other education partners happily commend the Jigawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi for his commitment to transforming the education sector and ensuring quality basic education for all children,” the statement read.
At its last meeting, the Jigawa State Executive Council approved contracts worth ₦779,269,895.00 for the supply of 68,850 textbooks, 700 whiteboards, 3,000 cartons of erasable markers, and 295 motorcycles for SSOs across the state’s 27 local government areas.
According to the council, the investment aligns with Governor Namadi’s education transformation agenda, which prioritises improved learning outcomes, provision of essential classroom tools, and stronger supervision at the grassroots.
“The provision of textbooks and teaching aids will enhance instruction in primary and junior secondary schools, while the motorcycles will improve the mobility and efficiency of SSOs for regular monitoring, mentoring, and support in both rural and urban areas,” the council stated.
JEAF pledged to continue partnering with the government to ensure the reforms translate into equitable access to quality education for every child in the state.