Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Institute for Educational Planning NIEP, has launched a 10-year Strategic Development Plan for the state’s basic education sector, covering 2026 to 2035.
Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Representative and Education Specialist, Alhaji Muttaqa Mukhtar Muhammad, explained that the 10-year Education Strategic Development Plan was designed to provide operational guidance for strengthening the education system and ensuring that it responds to community needs.
According to him, the strategic plan will provide comprehensive operational guidance that will help in making realistic budgeting aligned with priority needs and address both short- and long term challenges in Jigawa state basic education sector.
Also in her address, the Director General of National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration NIEPA, Dr Deborah Shofoyeke, explained that the 10-year educational plan was designed to strengthen coordination, address gaps, align the state policy with the federal government’s basic education policy.
She said it would also improve gender and social inclusiveness, tackle the high rate of out-of-school children, and generally make learning accessible to every child.
The DG therefore called on Jigawa state government to keep investing in education, adding that more investment and transparent implementation will attract greater support and intervention from donor partners to the state.
In his speech, the Jigawa State Commissioner for Basic Education, Alhaji Lawan Yunusa Danzomo, expressed gratitude to the donor partners and all stakeholders who contributed to the development of the document.
He said that the document has been officially adopted and will be implemented in line with the operational plan, with full budgetary support.
He pointed out that, the state government, is fully committed to collaborating with any partner in its efforts to reposition the state’s education sector.
Danzomo said, the broader educational agenda of Governor Namadi’s administration includes providing an enabling environment for every child to have access to quality education at all levels, regardless of economic status or geographical location, strengthening foundational skills, and improving learning outcomes.
The plan is aimed at repositioning foundational skills and improving learning outcomes across the state.
The document was developed in consultation with education managers, policymakers, community leaders, civil society organisations and donor partners to ensure a comprehensive approach to securing the future of children in the state.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the 10-year State Education Strategic Plan (SESP 2026–2035), along with the three-year State and Local Operational Plans (SESOP and LESOP), was produced through a European Union-funded project known as the Education and Youth Empowerment in Northern Nigeria (EYEPINN).
The project is being implemented by UNICEF in Jigawa, Kano and Sokoto states.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
