KEBBI VARSITY CONFERS HONORARY DEGREE ON GOV. LAWAL, COMMENDS ZAMFARA DEVELOPMENT STRIDES
The Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
The honor was bestowed on Saturday during the university’s joint maiden convocation at the University Convocation Arena in Aleru, Kebbi State.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that Governor Lawal was selected and confirmed for the honorary doctorate degree by the university’s Senate.
He added that the maiden convocation commenced on Wednesday with a press briefing by the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Danshehu Bagudu Gwandangaji.
The statement read in parts: “On Saturday, Governor Dauda Lawal was conferred with an Honorary Degree by the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology.
“The university said the honor reflects its commitment to recognizing individuals whose work has had a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
“The Kebbi State Varsity conferred on Governor Lawal the Degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc) Honoris Causa in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to societal development.
“The Senate highlighted Governor Lawal’s achievements in education, health, infrastructure, the economy, and workers’ welfare as major reasons for the honor.
“Such recognitions will make the governor put more effort into his resolve to make Zamfara State greater.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bagudu Danshehu, revealed that since its founding in 2005, the university has graduated 7,221 undergraduate students, along with 669 postgraduate students, between the 2010/2011 and 2023/2024 academic sessions.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor January 10, 2026
NINE YEARS AFTER, GOV. LAWAL PRESENTS CERTIFICATES TO 50 ZAMFARA STUDENTS OF CRESCENT UNIVERSITY
Governor Dauda Lawal has presented certificates to 50 scholarship students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta.
The presentation took place on Thursday at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the scholarship students graduated 9 years ago but were left on hold by the previous administrations.
The statement added that the students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.
The statement read in part: “Governor Dauda Lawal has presented certificates to 50 graduates of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, who were sponsored by a previous state government.
“The Crescent University refused to release the students’ results due to nonpayment of tuition fees.
“The state government under Governor Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.
“Among the 50 students, there is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders.
“This gesture shows the state government’s commitment to the educational sector and is a clear indication that the state of emergency declared is yielding positive results.”
While presenting the certificates to the students, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor January 08, 2026
GOV. LAWAL DISTRIBUTES 408,137 TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS TO ZAMFARA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Governor Dauda Lawal has procured 408,137 teaching and learning materials for distribution to public schools across Zamfara State.
The distribution’s flag-off ceremony was held on Friday at the Teacher Training and Development Centre (TTDC), Bypass Road, Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the flag-off is about more than handing out books; it is about keeping Zamfara on a path of recovery, renewal, and progress through education.
The statement noted that additional materials to be distributed were provided as support by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and UNICEF.
In his remarks at the flag-off, Governor Lawal reiterated that his administration came into office with the mandate to rescue and rebuild.
He said: “From the very beginning, we recognised that the most effective way to restore Zamfara is to invest in the minds of our people.
“Today, as part of this commitment, I am pleased to announce the distribution of 408,137 teaching and learning materials procured directly by the Zamfara State Government.
“This is one of the largest single investments in instructional resources our state has ever witnessed. It reflects our conviction that teachers cannot succeed without the right tools, and pupils cannot learn without adequate materials.
“But this effort has not been ours alone. We acknowledge with gratitude the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) partnership, which has provided 77,609 teaching and learning materials to complement our state government’s initiative.
“Their contribution is a reminder that development is best achieved when governments at different levels work in synergy, united by the common good of the people.
“We thank our development partners, especially UNICEF, for providing 5,000 Climate Change and Education Early Warning Handbooks to Zamfara. These handbooks will equip our children with essential environmental responsibility and preparedness knowledge, guiding them to adapt in a world impacted by climate change.
“Each of these interventions, the materials procured by the State, the contributions of UBEC, and the support of UNICEF, has its own significance. But together, they tell one powerful story the Zamfara has chosen the path of knowledge as the foundation for rebuilding.”
Governor Lawal further commended Zamfara teachers for their sacrifices to the educational sector.
“I must take a moment to commend our teachers. No investment in materials can substitute for the dedication of a teacher who inspires students daily. These resources we are distributing will have meaning only if they are effectively used by passionate educators.
“To parents and guardians, please recognize your vital role in your child’s education. A book alone is insufficient without encouragement at home. Education starts at home, where discipline and guidance lay the groundwork for success. I urge you to promote school attendance, monitor academic performance, and remind your children that their future relies on their commitment to learning.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor September 12, 2025
SEN. ORJI KALU COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN ZAMFARA, LAUDS GOV. LAWAL’S GIANT STRIDES
Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, former Governor of Abia State, has applauded Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for transforming Zamfara State.
On Monday, Senator Kalu commissioned the newly reconstructed Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development building and the newly renovated Zamfara State College of Arts and Sciences (ZACAS) structures.
According to a statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris, spokesperson for the Zamfara State Governor, the Ministry had been operating from a single-level bungalow that was not only inadequate in size but also unfit for the vital responsibilities and services it is expected to provide.
The statement added that through visionary planning and responsible execution, Governor Lawal has transformed that modest bungalow into a modern, multi-functional, multi-storey building.
While commissioning the Ministry of Women Affairs building, Governor Lawal emphasized that the impressive structure reflects the vital role the Ministry plays in advancing his administration’s rescue and development agenda.
“It is with deep gratitude to Almighty Allah, and a strong sense of duty and purpose, that I stand before you today for the commissioning of this newly constructed and furnished building for the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the laying of the foundation stone for the new Women’s Center on these premises.”
“It also gives me great honor to formally welcome our Special Guest of Honor, my Friend and a Friend of Zamfara State, my brother, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
“This event we are here for today is not just about unveiling a physical structure and starting off another; it is about reaffirming our administration’s sustained commitment to institutional renewal, social development, and inclusive governance.”
“It is about demonstrating once more that the dignity and welfare of our women, children, the physically challenged, and the vulnerable are central to our governance philosophy.”
While commissioning the newly renovated and upgraded facilities at the Zamfara State College of Arts and Sciences (ZACAS), Gusau, Governor Lawal restated that the event marks a significant milestone in his government’s collective journey to reposition education as the cornerstone of development and prosperity in Zamfara State.
“The structures we commission reflect a carefully planned and well-executed intervention to transform ZACAS into a more functional, competitive, and student-friendly institution. Following all due processes of contract award, the renovation project was awarded to Bankanu & Partners Limited, whose professionalism and adherence to quality standards are evident in the results before us.”
“In the first and second phases of the project, we undertook the complete renovation of critical academic facilities that had long fallen into disrepair and were no longer conducive to effective teaching and learning. Notably, the former administrative block has been redesigned and converted into three classrooms, each with a seating capacity of 150, breathing new life into the academic experience for both students and faculty.”
“The College’s temporary library has also been thoroughly renovated, providing a more conducive and resourceful space for academic research. One of the most significant assets of this institution, the 200-seat capacity Sardauna Hall, has equally undergone complete renovation and modernization.”
“The Mass Communication Studio and Theatre, and the computer-based Test (CBT) Centre have all been completely renovated and fully equipped. The Yusuf Anka Auditorium has been transformed to accommodate both academic and social functions. Meanwhile, the three core science laboratories — Biology, Chemistry, and Physics — have been fully renovated and modernized to support high-quality science education and experimentation.
Earlier, Senator Kalu praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s efforts, particularly the quality of work at the Zamfara State Ministry of Women Affairs and the Zamfara State College of Arts and Sciences.
“Equally important is the renovation of student accommodation, which is crucial to the welfare and retention of students. One female hostel and three male hostels have been completely been renovated to improve living conditions and uphold the dignity of students.”
He stated that what he observed in Zamfara represents a transformation, with a governor who enjoys the complete support of his people.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor June 16, 2025
WAEC AND NECO RELEASE FIVE YEARS WITHHELD RESULTS OF ZAMFARA STUDENTS, AS GOV. LAWAL SETTLES DEBT OWED BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS
All outstanding debts to examination bodies incurred by previous administrations have been fully settled by Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal.
The previous Zamfara governments failed to pay the National Examination Council (NECO) from 2014 to 2018 and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) from 2018 to 2022.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the examination bodies have released all results with-held by WAEC and NECO from 2018 to 2022.
The statement added that the present government’s effort to settle the outstanding debt is part of a broader strategy in line with Governor Lawal’s declaration of a state of emergency on education.
The statement reads in part: “In his commitment to overhauling the educational sector of Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has settled all backlog of payments owed by previous administrations in the state.
“The nonpayment of fees for WAEC and NECO has caused a significant setback for public schools throughout Zamfara State, continually placing Zamfara at the bottom of educational indices across Nigeria.
“Recognizing this issue within the education system, Governor Lawal declared a state of emergency in education in November 2023, a decision producing positive results for the educational sector in Zamfara State.
“More than 500 schools have been renovated and equipped since the emergency declaration. Public teachers have been trained and are undergoing retraining.
“The swift payment of the outstanding debt to WAEC and NECO has relieved the stranded Zamfara students, who completed their final exams but could not proceed due to the examination bodies withholding their results.”
“For the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Governor Dauda Lawal has paid the outstanding bill of one billion four hundred million naira that the previous administrations owed from 2018 to 2022.”
“The immediate past government could not pay for the 2023 WAEC; therefore, no public school in Zamfara State participated in the examination. However, payment was made for 2024, and students took the exams.
“On the part of the National Examination Council (NECO), Governor Lawal has paid N320, 699, 850.00 to settle a debt owed the council from 2020 to 2021.
“The previous administrations from 2014 to 2018 failed to pay the National Examination Council (NECO) the sum of one billion and twenty-two million naira, a reason why the council decided to with-hold the results of Zamfara students who sat during that period.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has also approved the payment of the withheld results from 2014 to 2018, and an agreement has been reached with NECO to release the results immediately after receiving the first batch of the payment.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor May 24, 2025
Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the Zamfara State Ministry of Education, its agencies, and school managements to prioritize the upkeep and maintenance of all renovated government educational facilities.
On Wednesday, the governor commissioned the remodeled Government Girls Arabic School (GGAS) in the state capital, Gusau.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, several key facilities at the school were identified and renovated. These include two administrative blocks, four blocks comprising eight classrooms, eight offices, a student kitchen, 20 Racca-style classrooms, a dining hall, and a school orchard.
The statement noted that the renovated facilities include laboratories, an ICT center, storage rooms, a library, a mosque, 14 student toilets, four staff toilets, four-story student accommodation blocks, a matron’s residence, a hostel entrance gate, and a security gate.
During his remarks, Governor Lawal emphasized that the ongoing school renovations stand as clear evidence of the progress made under his administration’s state of emergency on education.
He said, “As we know, this school is one of the oldest institutions in this region, where learners are trained to become future teachers. Today, it has been transformed to a comprehensive secondary school offering science, arts, ICT, and commercial subjects.”
“However, the school’s deteriorated condition and the fire incident that damaged some parts of the students’ hostels, the objective of establishing the school was not being achieved.”
“In line with our administration’s mission to improve the standard of education at all levels, we deemed it necessary to renovate and transform the school to make it serve its primary purpose.”
“The contract was initially awarded in January 2024 to an indigenous company for renovating five blocks of students’ hostels that were completely burnt down due to a fire incident.”
“Upon completing the hostels, we recognized the need for a more extensive intervention and expanded the contract to include the renovation of all remaining structures.”
“Furthermore, the entire renovation was carried out within a contract of 13 months, with all the mechanical and electrical services throughout the school. Both phases of the project—Phase 1 and Phase 2—are now 100% complete, comprising a total of 94 structures, all delivered in accordance with the agreed specifications.”
Governor Lawal added that the completion of this school, along ongoing renovations at various boarding schools across the state reflects his firm commitment to restoring the educational institutions.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor May 14, 2025
The Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA) invites applicants for the NCC 4G/5G Technical Training Program aimed at empowering Zamfara State indigenes with essential telecom and ICT skills.
This initiative, led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with Nokia Solutions and Networks, offers specialized training for aspiring professionals in the telecommunications space.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree or HND in:
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Computer Science
Communications Engineering
ICT
Additional certifications in networking or telecommunications are an added advantage.
Application Dateline: From Monday 12/ May 2025 To Friday 17 May 2025
ZAMFARA GOVERNMENT PARTNERS WITH ORACLE TO BOOST DIGITAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN LONDON
The Zamfara State Government has signed an Agreement with Oracle to invest in youth development, workforce capacity building, and the digital economy under Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative (SDI).
The Agreement was signed on Tuesday April 29, 2025 at Oracle’s Offices in London, United Kingdom.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that this work will foster collaboration between the Zamfara Information and Technology Development Agency (ZITDA) and Oracle.
The Zamfara State delegation, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, includes the Secretary to the State Government, two Special Advisers, and the Executive Secretary of ZITDA were present for the event, along with Siobhan Wilson, Oracle UK Country Leader and Senior Vice President, EMEA.
The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State Government has signed a strategic agreement with Oracle to drive digital skills development across the state. Facilitated through the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA), the collaboration will use the expertise and learning services of both Oracle Academy and Oracle University in their digital transformation efforts.
“The collaboration signifies a commitment to education and a strategic investment in the future of Zamfara’s youth, workforce, and digital economy. “Oracle Academy, Oracle’s global philanthropic educational program, offers a robust portfolio of technology education teaching and learning resources, including curriculum and software access, to educators and students worldwide.
“With the support of the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency (ZITDA), these resources will be made available to validated higher education institutions across Zamfara.”
“ZITDA will help lead efforts to integrate Oracle Academy offerings into Zamfara’s higher education curriculum, equipping educators with the tools and resources they need to guide students in learning hands-on tech skills and toward Oracle professional certifications and foster a new generation of tech-savvy leaders.
“In addition, Oracle University’s Skills Development Initiative (SDI), a global program that provides access to world-class learning and certification programs at no cost to eligible learners, will further expand opportunities for learners in Zamfara.
“Through a co-branded Learning Portal in collaboration with ZITDA, Oracle University plans to provide free access to digital learning paths and foundational certifications for eligible participants across Zamfara. This includes curated learning journeys offering over 200 hours of professional-level training in high-demand areas such as Cloud, AI, Data Science and APEX development.”
Trademarks “Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud company—ushering in the new era of cloud computing.”
In his remarks at the landmark signing of the agreement, Governor Dauda Lawal restated that the collaboration with Oracle is part of his administration’s commitment to transforming Zamfara into a hub of innovation, education, and digital excellence.
He said, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Zamfara State, I extend my deepest appreciation to Oracle for believing in our vision and partnering with us on this transformative journey.”
“What we are doing today goes beyond technology — it is about giving hope, creating opportunities, and unlocking the future. By investing in digital education and innovation, we are offering real alternatives to poverty, to joblessness, and to despair.”
“I sincerely thank Oracle for standing with us — believing in the power of partnership, purpose, and shared dreams. Today, we are not just signing a document; we are making a promise: “A promise that every child in Zamfara will have a fair chance to dream, to learn, and to succeed. A promise that technology will be our bridge to a stronger, more inclusive economy. And a promise that Zamfara will not merely participate in the digital revolution — we will lead it.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor May 07, 2025
ZITDA hosted the Women Techmakers community for the ‘Experience AI Workshop,’ highlighting our commitment to gender inclusivity in technology.
The event provided women with hands-on AI training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping bridge the gender gap in the tech industry.
This initiative is part of ZITDA’s broader efforts to support women’s participation in technology, ensuring a more inclusive and innovative digital future.
GOV. LAWAL INAUGURATES GOVERNING COUNCILS FOR ZAMFARA STATE-OWNED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
On Tuesday, Governor Dauda Lawal inaugurated the governing councils and boards of the six Zamfara state-owned tertiary institutions.
The inaugurated councils and boards include Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, Talata Mafara, and the College of Education, Maru.
Other institutions are the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gusau; College of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe; and College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Bakura.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the constitution of the councils and boards fulfills the adoption of the government whitepaper on the visitation panels’ report.
The statement added that the visitation panels’ report thoroughly assessed the state government-owned tertiary educational institutions.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal stressed that the event signifies another significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to rescue the state’s educational sector from collapse.
He said: “The councils and boards inaugurated today are expected to improve the management and administration of our tertiary institutions significantly. By leveraging on the expertise and, of course, the dedication of these distinguished individuals, we anticipate a new era of academic excellence in our higher learning institutions.
“Over the past 20 months, we have taken decisive steps to address the rot in the sector and restore the lost glory of education in the state.
“Some of these measures include massive reconstruction, rehabilitation, and furnishing of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the state, as well as a negotiation settlement of outstanding WAEC and NECO examination fees.
“My government also settled the counterpart funds to facilitate full access to the required support from development partners; Settlement of salary, pension, and gratuity arrears for civil servants and retirees, including teachers, and the prompt payment of their monthly salaries and pensions.
“To build on these and the many successes recorded, we have meticulously appointed individuals with vast knowledge and experience in the education sector and a proven track record of integrity to serve as Chairmen and Members of the Governing Councils of the six state-owned tertiary institutions.
“Given the composition of the Governing Councils, it is clear that each of these distinguished individuals understands what it takes to handle the enormous task ahead and will accordingly rise to the occasion.
“The Government and the good people of Zamfara State place high expectations on you, and there is no doubt that you are well-suited for this crucial assignment. Your roles are critical in addressing the various challenges confronting tertiary institutions in the state.
The governor congratulated members of the councils and boards and urged them to use their vast experience and expertise to advance their respective institutions.
“This should include collaborative efforts and engagements with development partners to tackle funding challenges.
“With these remarks, it is my honor and privilege to officially inaugurate the Governing Councils and Boards of the following six state-owned tertiary institutions in Zamfara State.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor January 30, 2025
