Jigawa seeks $110m IsDB support to tackle education challenges
The Jigawa State Government has requested $110 million in development financing from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to address significant challenges in its education sector, including inadequate school infrastructure, teacher development, and poor learning environments.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi made the announcement during a meeting with an IsDB delegation led by Mr. Imtiaz Alam, the Bank’s Operations Team Leader for Social Infrastructure. The meeting took place on Friday at Government House in Dutse.
The proposed initiative, known as the SMART Project, aims to enhance educational facilities and will involve collaboration with IsDB. In addition to Jigawa, the project will also encompass two other states.
“We approached the Islamic Development Bank due to its capacity to not only support development initiatives but also to mobilize additional development partners and donors for priority interventions,” the governor said. He emphasized that his administration has been active in implementing strategies to boost school enrollment, retention, and overall learning outcomes.
According to Governor Namadi, the funding from the IsDB would supplement ongoing efforts by providing vital resources to improve school infrastructure, advance teacher development, and enhance the overall quality of education in the state.
“Our objective is to improve learning outcomes and ensure that our students can compete favorably wherever they go,” he added.
Mr. Alam, the IsDB delegation leader, indicated that the proposed project would focus on constructing new schools, rehabilitating existing facilities, and implementing water and sanitation infrastructure. He noted that the project would also include teacher training, capacity building, and other initiatives designed to foster a more effective teaching and learning environment.
