From Abdullahi Idris,Dutse
In a strategic move to transform the education sector and empower youths with practical skills, Jigawa State government has commissioned a newly upgraded centre on technical and vocational training at Garki Local Government Area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Umar Namadi described the day as a milestone in Jigawa’s journey toward educational advancement and economic empowerment.
Acknowledginf the foundational efforts of the previous administration, the governor noted that the school was initially constructed at the cost of almost N635 million and, upon assuming office, his administration restructured the institution into a center of excellence through substantial investments.
“When we came in, we decided to turn it into a center of excellence, we undertook several renovations, including building additional hostels and the general renovation of the schools which cost almost N700 million,” he said.
To ensure that the facility meets the highest standard in technical education, he said government has undertaken the construction of additional structures.
“We recently awarded a contract for the construction of workshops to the tune of N600 million. We are also in the process of awarding contract for the supply of equipment worth N3.1 billion. We are doing all these in order to ensure that the school becomes a center of excellence for the training of vocational and technical education in the state.”
Governor Namadi revealed that the school has already admitted its first set of 200 carefully selected students—both male and female—across the 27 local government areas.
According to the governor, the new center will begin operation with three foundational courses: Welding and Fabrication, Building Technology and Catering Services.
Namadi emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop middle-level and high-level manpower in Jigawa.
He added that similar schools are underway in various parts of the state for the training of specialists in welding, painting, fabrication, scaffolding and other technical fields.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through education and skills acquisition.
The event was attended by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin and other dignitaries within the state and beyond.
