The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has debunked allegations against Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, accusing him of neglecting education in favour of religious infrastructure worth over N1.5 billion in the state.
This was clarified in a press statement issued and signed by the Director-General (DG) of the Forum, Fulurunso Alunko, which was obtained by an online editor through the state commissioner for information, youth, sports, and culture, Mr. Sagir Musa, in Dutse.
The statement condemned the allegations as mischievous and part of an effort to tarnish the image of the governor and his government for political reasons.
The Director-General emphasised that the Forum firmly rebuffs the misguided claims, describing them as baseless and propagated by individuals with no direct stake in Jigawa.
He stated, “These claims, propagated by uninformed individuals with no direct stake in Jigawa, are misguided attempts to undermine the achievements of a leader committed to holistic and people-centred governance.”
The PGF reiterated that governance is an inclusive process that addresses the social, emotional, spiritual, and material needs of the people.
Neglecting any aspect of this multidimensional framework would undermine the collective progress of society.
“At the Progressive Governors Forum, we affirm that governance is an encompassing and inclusive process. It is about addressing the social, emotional, spiritual, and material needs of the people. Neglecting any aspect of this multidimensional framework undermines the collective progress of the society,” Alunko said.
He further explained that Gov. Umar Namadi exemplifies this balanced approach, consistently addressing all the needs of Jigawa’s people.
“His responsibilities are to the citizens of Jigawa, not to the uninformed voices of critics who lack a true understanding of the state’s realities and aspirations,” Alunko added.
The Forum stressed that Namadi’s administration prioritises inclusiveness and equity, focusing on policies and programs that meet the needs of the state’s citizens.
The PGF clarified that Namadi’s governance philosophy recognises the interconnectedness of societal needs, emphasising that spiritual well-being is as vital as social and material progress.
The statement further assured that “Namadi’s administration did not and will never neglect education for religious infrastructure.”
It also pointed out that the amount allegedly spent on religious infrastructure does not reflect reality. “The money spent on building religious centres across the 30 constituencies is not up to the money allocated for building female student hostels at Sule Lamido University.”
“The forum noted that the Jigawa governor has allocated 30% of the 2024 budget to education, recruited 9,000 teachers for Basic Education and SS Schools, renovated and constructed over 500 classrooms, supplied over 15,000 student seats, and approved N1.6 billion for two 480-capacity female students’ hostels.
“Other commitments in education also include spending N6.2 billion for expanding the Faculty of Medicine at Lamido University, purchasing a private university (Khadija University) at the cost of N11.1 billion, sending 140 students, including 70 female students, to study medicine in Cyprus, increasing the annual student scholarship by 150% to cater to a minimum of 50% of their registration fees, in addition to spending over N10 billion on expansion works at Hadejia School of Nursing, Jahun Village of Health, and Gumel College of Education.”
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