The Jigawa State Government has inaugurated a newly upgraded Center of Excellence on Technical and Vocational Training in Garki LGA as part of its strategic push to bridge the skills gap and foster youth empowerment.
In a statement, governor Malam Umar Namadi, who led the commissioning ceremony, described it as a milestone in the state’s educational and economic transformation.
He said that the facility, originally constructed by the previous administration at a cost of ₦635 million, has now been upgraded by his administration with an additional ₦700 million invested in renovations, including new hostels and infrastructure.
The Governor explained that these upgrades are part of a vision to position Jigawa as a hub for high-quality vocational education.
He added that further investments include a ₦600 million contract for workshop construction and a planned ₦3.1 billion procurement of modern training equipment.
According to Governor Namadi, these efforts aim to elevate the school to national excellence in vocational and technical education.
“The institution has enrolled over 200 pioneer students selected through rigorous statewide examinations and interviews with each of Jigawa’s 27 local government areas contributing the top eight candidates.
The first academic phase will offer courses in Welding and Fabrication, Building Technology, and Catering Services,” he explained.
Governor Namadi also disclosed that the Garki center was part of a broader strategy to develop both middle- and high-level manpower across the state.
“Graduates will progress to the forthcoming advanced technical institute in Babura, where over ₦20 billion is being invested in additional workshops and equipment”.
He also announced plans to establish similar training centers in other parts of the state, focusing on skills such as scaffolding, painting, and metal fabrication, to cater to the diverse industrial needs of the region.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to youth development, the governor emphasized that the initiative aims to provide viable career paths and economic opportunities for Jigawa’s growing youth population.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who commended the state government’s bold step toward inclusive, skills-based education.
Usman MZ
