Jigawa gov’t acquires private university for N11bn

…advances on key infrastructure projects

The Jigawa State Government has taken a bold step to enhance educational access by acquiring Khadija University, a private institution, for N11 billion.

The university, located in Majia town, Taura Local Government Area, is expected to significantly boost higher education opportunities within the state.

The purchase was confirmed by Sagir Ahmed, spokesperson for the state government, following an executive council meeting chaired by Governor Umar Namadi. According to Ahmed, the acquisition aligns with the administration’s 12-point agenda, which prioritizes education reform.

“The executive council approved the purchase of Khadija University, Majia, by the Jigawa State Government at the cost of Eleven Billion Naira (N11,000,000,000.00),” said Ahmed.

He added that the council also authorized an initial payment of 40%, amounting to N4.07 billion, to the university’s current owners. The remaining 60% will be paid in two installments, as per the agreement between the two parties.

Major water projects and infrastructure investments

In addition to the university acquisition, the state government approved several key infrastructure projects aimed at improving access to clean water across Jigawa.

The council awarded contracts for the construction of 89 hand pumps, 35 solar-powered water collection points, one generator-powered water point, and the conversion of an existing generator-powered point to a solar system. These projects, spread across 23 constituencies, will cost over N411.8 million.

The government also committed N400 million as counterpart funding for the Federal Government-supported Partnership for the Expanded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (PEWASH) program. The funds will be directed to the state’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) to further enhance water services across the state.

Boost for agricultural mechanization

The council approved the purchase of 20 additional combine harvesters at a total cost of N1.25 billion. The harvesters, priced at N62.39 million each, will modernize farming operations in the state, boosting productivity and supporting food security.

The council also authorized an advance payment of N374.34 million to AGRA Consortium Company as part of the procurement process.