Writing By Usman Muhammed Zaria; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The Jigawa State Government has formally taken over Khadija University, Majia, following its acquisition from a private owner, and renamed it Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Majia.
The takeover ceremony, held Tuesday in Majia, was led by Governor Malam Umar Namadi and attended by members of the State Executive Council, the State House of Assembly, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders.
Governor Namadi described the development as a major milestone in the state’s educational advancement, noting that the process began about two years ago.
“Today marks another important milestone in our educational advancement in Jigawa State. We are completing a process we started in the last two years—the takeover of Khadija University by the state government,” he said.
He explained that the acquisition was driven by the need to expand access to quality medical education and create opportunities for young people across the state.
“We deliberately chose to acquire this university to provide more opportunities for our youth,” the governor added.
Namadi disclosed that the government has commenced upgrading infrastructure and assembling a competent management team to reposition the institution for excellence.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure that the university becomes one of the first-class universities in this country,” he said.
The governor noted that the new institution would help reduce the number of students sent abroad to study medicine, thereby conserving foreign exchange.
“Currently, we have over 180 students studying medicine overseas. This acquisition will save a lot of foreign exchange, not only for Jigawa State but for Nigeria in general,” he stated.
He also commended the founder of the university, Dr. Musa Adamu Majia, for laying a solid foundation for its growth.
“In fact, the history of education in Jigawa State will not be complete without your name,” Namadi said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor assured the university leadership of continued support to ensure its success.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Mahmoud U. Sani, described the transformation as strategic and timely, noting that it addresses the shortage of healthcare professionals.
“This is more than an administrative decision; it is a bold investment in human capital,” he said.
He added that the institution is the first state-owned university of medical and allied health sciences in Northern Nigeria, positioning Jigawa as a leader in medical education in the region.
The Chairman of the Transition Committee, Dr. Lawan Yunusa Danzomo, said the takeover followed a transparent and structured process in the public interest.
“The ceremony marks the orderly conclusion of a collaborative process undertaken with full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements,” he said.
He added that the completion of the process signals the beginning of a new phase in the institution’s development.
