Gov' Namadi Urged to Champion postgraduate scholarships in Jigawa

By Editor:

Dr. Shamsu Gujungu, MBBS (ABU) 

Jigawa state population, predominantly rural, is being faced with numerous challenges. With a literacy rate of 41.7%, Jigawa remains one of the lowest in the country. An estimated 800,000 children are out of school, contributing to the state's below-average Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.371 ranking it 36th out of Nigeria's 37 states. This low educational attainment impacts the workforce, with few individuals gaining the international exposure or expertise needed to tackle the complex development issues of our dear state.

Education remains the cornerstone of societal advancement, yet Jigawa State faces significant socioeconomic challenges that hinder its progress. The state also grapples with a shortage of professionals, including doctors, engineers, scientists, and researchers, which limits its ability to compete in the rapidly evolving global economy. These stark realities highlight the urgent need for transformative policies to bridge the gaps in human capital development and socio-economic advancement.

Across Nigeria, states like Kano, Borno, Ebonyi, and Rivers have demonstrated the transformative potential of investing in postgraduate education. Kano State, for example, has just recently sponsored over 1,000 postgraduate students for foreign scholarships, fostering a new generation of professionals who are driving innovation in various fields. Many States have used similar programs to achieve remarkable advancements in healthcare and education such initiatives have positioned their indigenes at the forefront of technology and research. Visionary leaders such as Senator Barau Jibrin and Rep. Abubakar Bichi have championed these programs, ensuring their states reap the benefits of a highly skilled workforce. These success stories illustrate how strategic investments in postgraduate education can transform states and position them for sustainable growth.

In Jigawa State, however, the focus by past administrations has been on undergraduate scholarships has failed to deliver the transformative impact needed to reposition the state in the 21st century. While undergraduate scholarships provide foundational education, they do not equip individuals with the specialized skills and advanced knowledge required to address complex societal challenges. Governor Umar Namadis 12-point agenda for a Greater Jigawa presents a unique opportunity to pivot towards postgraduate scholarships, particularly overseas, as a means to harness the full potential of Jigawas brightest minds and revolutionize the states developmental trajectory.

Globally, individuals who have benefited from postgraduate scholarshipsboth in-country and overseashave emerged as leaders in their fields. They have become renowned doctors, groundbreaking scientists, tech innovators, and veteran researchers, driving progress in their home states and beyond. Unfortunately, Jigawa state has relatively few individuals in this elite category, particularly in developed countries and global networks. This gap underscores the need for targeted investments in postgraduate education to reposition the state and enable its citizens to compete on the world stage.

By fostering postgraduate opportunities, Jigawa State can cultivate professionals who will spread the fruits of the states intellectual potential to local, national, and international development. These scholars can become pioneers in medicine, ICT, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and renewable energyindustries critical to 21st-century progress. Their expertise can also transform sectors vital to Jigawas development, such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.

Jigawas tertiary institutions, such as Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, and the newly acquired private Khadija State University Majia, and the Colleges of Education, face significant manpower gaps that can be addressed by returning postgraduate scholars. These individuals will not only strengthen the capacity of these institutions but also ensure that graduates are globally competitive. Similarly, the states investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the proposed medical village, Cath-lab cardiac center, and new specialist hospitals in Hadejia, Gumel, and Kazaure, requires advanced expertise in fields such as cardiology, nephrology, and oncology. Medical residency training sponsorship in these areas will enhance healthcare delivery and reduce reliance on medical tourism.

In the field of Agriculture, Jigawas economy, deeply rooted in farming and livestock, can benefit from professionals trained in modern agricultural practices, irrigation systems, and livestock management. Postgraduate training in these areas will significantly boost productivity and establish the state as a leader in agro-industrialization. Additionally, investing in ICT and AI training will modernize governance, improve service delivery, and attract technological investments, further driving economic growth.

Governor Umar Namadi has the opportunity to replicate the success stories of Kano, Ebonyi, and Rivers States by championing postgraduate scholarships. These programs can address critical skill gaps, empower the youth, and create a cadre of experts capable of leading groundbreaking initiatives in renewable energy, science, biotechnology, environmental management, and other fields critical to Jigawas growth.

While in-country scholarships are valuable, overseas scholarships offer exposure to international best practices, cutting-edge research facilities, and global professional networks. Countries like Canada, the UK, Germany, and Malaysia etc. provide postgraduate programs tailored to the needs of developing nations. Scholars returning from these programs will bring innovative solutions and fresh perspectives to Jigawas challenges, enabling the state to address local issues from a global perspective.

Governor Namadis vision for a Greater Jigawa aligns seamlessly with the transformative potential of postgraduate scholarships. By promoting advanced education, Jigawa can inspire its youth, foster innovation, and ensure the state competes effectively in the knowledge-driven global economy. This bold step will not only align with the governors vision but also position Jigawa as a hub of excellence and innovation, leveraging the talents of its people to achieve remarkable progress. The time to act is now.

Dr. Shamsu Gujungu MBBS (ABU)
From Gujungu, Jigawa State.
shamsgjg@gmail.com