By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has announced a ₦1 billion budgetary provision for major infrastructure and development projects at Government College, Birnin Kudu, in the proposed 2026 budget.
The governor disclosed this in a speech delivered at the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Birnin Kudu Government College Old Boys Association (BIKOBA), held at the school premises. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Bala Ibrahim.
According to the SSG, the allocation underscores the administration’s commitment to revitalising the historic institution and addressing critical needs identified by stakeholders.
“His Excellency has earmarked over ₦1 billion for the upliftment of this premier college. All requests and concerns raised here have been carefully noted and will be acted upon,” Ibrahim said.
He described education as the foundation of societal development, stressing that the state government has adopted a data-driven approach to reform the sector. He noted that Governor Namadi, upon assuming office, constituted a technical committee of experts to comprehensively assess the state of education across Jigawa.
The findings, he explained, informed the restructuring of the sector, leading to the creation of two distinct ministries — Basic Education and Higher Education — to enhance focus, efficiency and service delivery.
“This framework enables the government to determine priority areas, timing and appropriate interventions. It also complements other reforms such as the establishment of the Teachers Development Agency, the Senior Secondary Schools Board, and related initiatives,” he added.
In his remarks, BIKOBA National President, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad, applauded the state government for prioritising education and approving funds for the comprehensive renovation of the college.
He said the association has supported the school through various interventions, including the provision of water facilities, desks and chairs, double-decker beds, toilets, a computer laboratory, computers, power generators, drugs, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, as well as writing and sporting materials for students.
