Governor Malam Umar Namadi has applauded teachers across Jigawa State, describing them as the backbone of educational development.
He made the remarks at the maiden 2025 Best Teacher Award ceremony held in Dutse.
The award, organised by the Science and Technical Schools Board under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, honoured teachers who have distinguished themselves through dedication and hard work.
Governor Namadi hailed the initiative as one of the most impactful programmes in the state’s education sector, saying it would inspire teachers and promote better learning outcomes.
“This is among the best initiatives we’ve seen. When people excel, they must be recognised,” the governor said, noting that rewarding excellence motivates teachers to give their best.
He stressed that improving education requires more than building infrastructure, pointing out that the quality of teachers, teaching materials, and learning environments are key drivers of success.
“Teaching and learning remain the most important factors in developing education. We are investing in school renovation and upgrades, and though we haven’t achieved all our goals, we are moving steadily towards them,” he added.
Governor Namadi emphasised the state’s efforts to recruit more teachers and reduce the student-teacher ratio, explaining that professional development through training and retraining is essential to keep educators abreast of new methods and ideas.
He described the Best Teacher Award as a valuable way of motivating teachers, fostering healthy competition, and improving classroom performance across Jigawa schools.
The governor called on other education agencies including the Senior Secondary School Management Board, Islamic Education Bureau, and Ministry of Basic Education to introduce similar awards to encourage excellence in teaching.
He suggested that expanding the programme across all education segments would eventually make it possible to identify an overall best teacher in the state, further raising standards in schools.
Reflecting on his personal attachment to education, Governor Namadi described teaching as his “constituency,” affirming deep respect for teachers and pledging to prioritise their welfare and professional growth.
He thanked the Science and Technical Schools Board and the Ministry of Higher Education for spearheading the award, assuring them of continued government backing for their innovative efforts.
Governor Namadi also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting education at all levels, emphasising that developing teachers is vital to improving learning outcomes in Jigawa schools.
Usman MZ
