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
GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES FUGUS GOVERNING COUNCIL, ASSURES SUPPORT
Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing all necessary support to Federal University Gusau.
The pro-chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, Rt. Hon. Engineer Aminu Sani Isa led the governing council on a courtesy visit to Governor Dauda Lawal in his office at the government house on Tuesday.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the governing council commended the state government for its unending support of the university.
The statement added that while responding to the pro-chancellor, Governor Dauda Lawal pledged to always assist the university because of its role in human development.
The governor emphasized that the state government would continue collaborating with the university for development. “I would like to express my gratitude to the Federal University Gusau governing council for this visit. Such gatherings provide an opportunity to reflect and plan ways to enhance our educational sector for the benefit of our people.
“I am excited to hear that your institution will start offering MBBS. We were very strategic in upgrading our specialist hospitals to teaching hospitals, so a teaching hospital will be available when you begin.
“As you know, we are upgrading Yeriman Bakura Teaching Hospital into a fully equipped teaching hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
“We are negotiating to acquire land nearby to build hostels for students’ comfort.
“Regarding land compensation, we have been actively addressing this issue. The special adviser for infrastructure will coordinate with the university management to find a solution.
“For some projects initiated by previous governments, I will send a team to assess their status and determine how we can complete them.
“We will explore ways to make a financial commitment to support you. In the long run, our community will benefit because the school is in Zamfara. We must do everything we can to provide assistance in all possible ways.”
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University Gusau, Rt. Hon. Aminu Sani Isah commended Governor Dauda Lawal for the numerous projects he initiated for the university even before becoming Zamfara State’s governor.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor November 20, 2024
CSR: KEYSTONE BANK RENOVATES SCHOOLS IN ZAMFARA, SAYS GOV. LAWAL’S FEATS IN 17 MONTHS SURPASS OVER 20 YEARS OF PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS
Keystone Bank Limited has commended Governor Lawal’s giant strides in human capital development in Zamfara State.
The bank’s Managing Director, Hassan Imam, led top management officials on a courtesy visit to the governor on Saturday at the Government House in Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the bank is renovating Sarkin Kudu Primary School and Sambo Secondary School, all in the state capital, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
While addressing the bank’s management, Governor Lawal praised Keystone’s efforts and committed to making Zamfara State a favorable environment for all businesses.
“It is well known that we inherited a highly dysfunctional system in Zamfara State. However, this does not serve as an excuse for failing to perform. Instead, we are focused on finding the best ways to advance the state, and that is precisely what we are doing.
“Education is essential to everything we do in life today. It forms the backbone of a better society. In my administration, education is the second priority after security.
“I want to express my gratitude for this gesture. As I mentioned, this intervention will go down in history as a testament to your bank’s role in our success story.
“Insha’Allah, Zamfara will become an even greater state. I am committed to ensuring that we compete with other states in Nigeria in every aspect.
“I look forward to commissioning these schools shortly upon their completion. Thank you very much for this intervention.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Hassan Imam, disclosed that the management deliberated on the intervention area before deciding to focus on the complete renovation and overhaul of schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
“What you have achieved in just 17 months has surpassed what others have accomplished in over 20 years. You have excelled in education, health, and infrastructure. I don’t have enough time to list everything you have done for Zamfara State, but anyone visiting will witness the multi-billion-dollar construction of the metropolitan road.
“We are here to support you because we recognize the hard work you’re putting in. After much discussion, we decided to focus on education and chose two primary and secondary schools. We are conducting a complete renovation and overhaul of Sarkin Kudu Primary School and Sambo Secondary School, located in the state capital.
“As we speak, the contractors are already on site, and the work has commenced,” he said.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor November 09, 2024
ZAMFARA STUDENTS: UNLIKE INDIA AND SUDAN, OUR ENCOUNTER WITH CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
On May 29, 2023, Governor Dauda Lawal took over a government that had failed to pay examination bodies for three years, preventing Zamfara secondary school students from taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams.
Among the several problems inherited by our government is the lingering issue of nonpayment of scholarship fees for Zamfara state indigenes sent to study in different educational programs in Cyprus and India.
For our students in India and Sudan, the Zamfara State government collaborated smoothly with the institutions. Zamfara indigenes studying in India have completed their studies and are preparing to return home.
Due to the war in Sudan, 66 Zamfara indigenes were evacuated. However, 14 of the 66 nursing students could not take their final exams. In partnership with Sudanese University, the state government organized exams for the 14 students in Nigeria, which is not one of the university’s designated exam centres. The government covered flight, accommodation, and meal expenses for three examiners from Sudan. All 14 students completed their final exams, while 52 others received full scholarships to continue their studies at universities in Nigeria.
We laid the foundation by referencing India and Sudan, where Zamfara scholarship students faced various problems that were addressed with the state government’s intervention. The question remains: Why is Cyprus International University different?
Despite serious problems uncovered regarding the faulty foundation created when students were sent to Cyprus and other countries, the state government has been pursuing all official channels to resolve the issue, but the school management is blocking the efforts.
On November 12, 2023, the state government paid the university N84.7 million. Two days later, on November 14, 2023, another N30.9 million was transferred to the school.
Cyprus International University has consistently rejected the state government’s request to send a delegation to discuss the ongoing issues concerning our scholarship students. As a result, the state government had to reach out to the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey for assistance.
In May 2024, following significant pressure from the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey, the school management informed the state government that they were prepared to receive a delegation at the university in Cyprus, contingent upon the transfer of funds to demonstrate commitment. Consequently, on June 4, 2024, the state government transferred N100 million as requested by the university.
In light of this, Governor Dauda Lawal formed a three-member delegation for a trip to Cyprus International University. The delegation includes Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology; Bello Mohammed Auta, the Commissioner of Finance; and Barau Muazu, the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Finance and Economic Matters.
The delegation was saddled with the responsibility to establish the actual amount Zamfara State owes the university in respect of the 93 Students sent on scholarship since 2019; to screen all the Zamfara State students in the university in person to ascertain their actual number; to verify the students’ various and individual courses with the view to evaluating performance and confirm the year of graduation of each student.
Other responsibilities include finding out and evaluating the conditions under which studies are being carried out, the situation of the hostels, feeding and other learning tools and infrastructure provided, and devising mutually agreed-upon terms and conditions through which the established outstanding and future liabilities would be settled.
Before leaving Nigeria, the delegation reached out to the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Turkey, a reason why two officials of the Embassy joined the delegation to Cyprus on August 14, 2024, to complete the above assignment. On August 15, they met the students and the university’s management, setting the ball rolling.
The first meeting with the management was with Professor Majid, from whom the delegation requested for any executed MOU/Agreement between Cyprus International University and Zamfara State Government, a total outstanding debt owed by each student from inception to date, indicating the amount per semester, payments received and outstanding balance; students’ cumulative academic transcript per semester indicating progress with anticipated graduation date and list of students who made personal payments for registration to avoid semester freezing, the amount paid per student and the total amount.
In a meeting with the University Rector/Vice Chancellor, Professor Habil Nadiri, the delegation presented numerous issues faced by the students in the University, which included non-registration of students to allow them to attend lectures and access school facilities to carry out their studies conveniently; ejection of the entire students (except the ten females) who were patching in a provided boys hostel by the school; depriving all the students (including the ten females) food from the school canteen since the date they were ejected from hostel.
Other issues presented to the school management include the school authority tagging Zamfara state students “under a deportation order,” which was frowned upon as a harsh decision since they had not committed any criminal offence against the university or the country, and the deportation of one of the students without prior notification to either the Zamfara State Government or the Nigerian Embassy in Ankara. We also frowned at this action as unwarranted for a non-criminal reason.
The Zamfara delegation uncovered a lack of consistency on the part of Cyprus International University. The office of the General Secretary provided the government with EUR 947,544.71 as the total outstanding sum Zamfara State owes the university.
The office of the Senior Advisor to the Board of Trustees and Head of the Promotion & International Affairs division provided the total debt the state owes as EUR 650,730.24.
The International Affairs Office confirmed that the General Secretary’s office did not update its system with many payments and waivers. We reviewed the total provided by the international affairs office and discovered many anomalies that need to be corrected, further reducing the total indebtedness.
Since the delegation returned, the Zamfara State Government has been awaiting communication from Cyprus International University regarding the actual payment needed to end the quagmire.
The Nigerian Foreign Mission in Ankara has been actively working to encourage the Cyprus Diplomatic Mission to press Cyprus International University for the necessary official documents. We are hopeful that this diplomatic intervention will help to compel the university to do the right thing without any further complications.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor November 02, 2024
GOV. LAWAL RECEIVES FCET GOVERNING COUNCIL, SAYS COLLEGE CRITICAL TO HIS ADMINISTRATION’S STATE OF EMERGENCY ON EDUCATION
Governor Dauda Lawal has described the Federal College of Education (Technical) as a platform that nurtures and produces qualified teachers for public schools in Zamfara.
The governing council of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau paid a courtesy visit to Governor Lawal at the Zamfara State Government House on Wednesday.
A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the courtesy visit was for familiarization and improved synergy between the state government and the FCET, Gusau.
In his address, Governor Lawal welcomed members of the governing council and emphasized the need to give the Federal College of Education (Technical) all necessary attention.
“I want to start by saying that the people of Zamfara State have greatly benefited from the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusua. Let me be clear: about five of my sisters graduated from FCET.
“As mentioned by the chairman, the state of education in Zamfara State has been at the bottom for many years when considering all the indicators. We have consistently vied with Yobe for the last position.
“Last year, I declared a state of emergency in the educational sector of Zamfara due to its challenges. Over the past three years, the previous government failed to pay fees for the NECO and WAEC exams, which was unfortunate. However, we have settled the debt, which is now a thing of the past.
“Just recently, you may have read in the news about the performance of our students in the NECO entrance examination for gifted students. Our dear state, Zamfara, emerged as the best-performing state in the entire North and the second-best in the whole country.
“We are dedicated to ensuring every child has access to quality education. Currently, we are renovating and constructing over 290 schools throughout the state.
“The steps we are taking involve providing suitable furniture and offering continuous training to our teachers. In this endeavor, FCET plays a significant role as we aim to enhance the capacity and quality of our teachers. So, we will work in synergy to revamp the educational system of Zamfara State.
Earlier, Professor Muhammad Bashir Nuhu, chairman of the governing council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), commended the governor for prioritizing education in his administration’s agenda.
He said, “We are the governing council of the prestigious FCET. It is considered prestigious because it is the only one of its kind in the entire federation at the time of its establishment. When it was established, there was a lot of envy regarding why it was located in Zamfara. Later on, I realized that this was because Zamfara is one of the most disadvantaged states in terms of education.
“Today, we are here due to your government declaring an emergency in the state’s education sector and the positive steps you are taking to improve the sector.
“We commend you for your efforts, and we would like to take this opportunity to praise your wife, the First Lady Hajiya Huriyya Dauda, who sponsored 20 students in the college and awarded three computers to the top three graduating students.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 16, 2024
ZAMFARA EMERGES TOP-PERFORMING NORTHERN STATE IN THE NECO ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR GIFTED STUDENTS
Zamfara State has emerged as the top-performing Northern state and second in the whole of Nigeria in the National Examination Council (NECO) entrance exams for gifted students.
Last week, the national examination body released the 2024 Gifted Results for Admission into the Federal Government Academy, Suleja.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that Zamfara state secured the highest number of slots, emerging as the best state in the entire north.
He added that throughout the country, Zamfara came second with 30 talented students, while Anambra State secured the first position with 35 students.
“Zamfara State students have achieved the highest performance in the NECO entrance exams for gifted students among the 19 Northern States, breaking a significant educational barrier.
“For the first time, Zamfara state is excelling on the national stage, marking a significant shift from its usual place at the bottom regarding performance hierarchy.
“NECO organizes the Gifted Examination for admission into the Federal Government Academy Suleja for gifted and talented children. Only final year primary school pupils under 11 years old are eligible to take the exam by December of the examination year.”
The Federal Government Academy Suleja is a training ground for molding Nigeria’s gifted and talented children. It provides significant opportunities for exceptional students to develop their potential in the interest of nation-building and technological development.
The students benefit from federal government scholarships through tuition, external examination fees, boarding, feeding, uniforms, and introductory textbooks.
“In 2024, Zamfara received three slots based on the state quota and secured an additional 27 slots based on national merit into the Federal Government Economy. The students from Zamfara performed exceptionally well in the exams, obtaining more slots than any other state in the North.
“This is a significant development, particularly considering that a state of emergency was declared in the state’s education sector last year.
“Out of the 30 qualified students from Zamfara, 21 are girls, and 9 are boys, indicating a growing emphasis on girl-child education in the state.
“The Zamfara state government will continue to make greater efforts to ensure the full implementation of the administration’s educational policies, which will lead to more successes for the state.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor July 14, 2024
EDUCATION IS AN ENABLER FOR OPPORTUNITIES, SAYS ZAMFARA GOVERNOR
Zamfara Governor, Dauda Lawal described education as an enabler that provides the space and opportunity for easy social mobility worldwide.
The governor attended the Federal University, Gusau’s combined third and fourth convocation ceremony on Saturday at the university’s convocation arena.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that Governor Lawal announced the state government’s scholarship for the overall best-graduating student.
While delivering his speech, Governor Lawal praised the university leadership for effectively utilizing limited resources despite operational constraints.
He said: “I am delighted to be with you today on the combined 3rd & 4th convocation ceremony of this incredible and promising university, the Federal University Gusau. I congratulate the university for achieving this feat despite the teething problems it has faced since its inception. I commend the parents, guardians, and all graduating students for dedicating their time and energy to attain this feat. We look forward to a bright and fulfilling future despite the gloom of our challenges as a nation and people. We pray and are working round the clock to change the tide. These problems, too, shall pass by the unique Grace of Almighty Allah.”
The governor elaborated on his administration’s efforts to reform the educational system in Zamfara State after declaring a state of emergency last year.
“As a government, we are determined to educate all the children of Zamfara. Education is the enabler that provides the space and opportunity for easy social mobility.
“We have allocated a substantial amount of money to the education sector in our 2024 Appropriation and are hopeful to jack up the allocation to a higher level in 2025, 2026, and 2027. We hope to achieve the 25% to 30% recommended allocation to education as soon as possible. With reasonable allocation to the sector and efficient management of the resources, we are optimistic that we will revive the education infrastructure, hire more competent teachers, and train and retrain existing ones.
“We will also increase enrollment in both primary and post-basic schools through public enlightenment and the creation of better learning and teaching environments. Education is free, and we hope to make it compulsory as well.
“We have also made handsome budgetary allocations to our tertiary institutions in the state to begin the correction process of lifting them to efficient levels. The Zamfara State University is preparing to undergo, for the first time, accreditation of its programs by the National Universities Commission. We have directed contractors who were forced out of the site by the previous administration to return to the site, and we are hopeful that in the coming months, the university’s permanent site will be functional. At the same time, the NUC will accredit all courses.
“We inherited a state where the examination fees of WEAC and NECO to the tune of billions of Naira were not paid by the government for more than three years. We had to enter into special arrangements with the bodies, and payments have since commenced and will be completed as soon as possible.
“Within our limited resources, we will continue to render helping hands to the university. Our objective is to increase education in our state so that there is access and space for all our young people to be trained to attain the lofty heights that education provides.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor May 26, 2024
EDUCATION IS A FUNDAMENTAL TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT, SAYS ZAMFARA GOVERNOR
Governor Dauda Lawal has identified education as a fundamental tool for the development of Zamfara State.
On Wednesday, the governor was honoured with an award from pupils of Leadsprings International School at the Government House in Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said that the students presented the governor with seven critical expectations for the future.
According to the statement, the expectations for the future of Zamfara state include the capital city of Gusau, the health sector, Zamfara airline, technology, agriculture, the economic and commercial sector, and industries and companies.
While addressing the pupils, Governor Lawal reaffirmed his commitment and determination to revamp the education sector.
“Education is a top priority for my government, second only to security. However, our education system has not been performing well in the past. In particular, the state of Zamfara consistently ranked at the bottom of every education index. This is why I declared a state of emergency in education.
“These include recruiting qualified and competent teachers, providing necessary teaching materials and infrastructure, and introducing innovative teaching methods.
“My administration will spare no effort to transform the education sector to meet the state’s and its citizens’ needs.
Governor Lawal expressed appreciation for the quality of education demonstrated by the students and thanked the management of Leadsprings International School for presenting him with the honour award.
“I am impressed with the quality of your presentation and believe that Leadsprings International School students are well-prepared to compete anywhere in the world.
“Thank you for the honour. My government will encourage you in whatever way possible. I call on other private schools to emulate your good work.”
In his remarks, Leadsprings International Schools proprietor Mr. Danjuma Sule expressed the school’s desire to align with the educational initiatives of the Zamfara State government.
“We are impressed by your government’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment throughout the state. We are also pleased with your decision to promote education for girls. Currently, Leadsprings International Schools has 386 girls enrolled in different classes, and we are dedicated to nurturing them to become valuable contributors to the development of Zamfara.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor March 09, 2024
ZAMFARA GOVERNOR DISTRIBUTES LEARNING MATERIALS TO 250 PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SAYS EDUCATION IS THE BEDROCK OF CIVILIZATION
Governor Dauda Lawal has emphasised that education is a top priority in his Six Smart Agenda as it is the foundation of civilisation.
In a ceremony held on Wednesday in Gusau, the governor flagged off the distribution of teaching and learning materials to 250 public primary and junior secondary schools throughout Zamfara State.
A statement issued by the spokesperson of the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the materials were provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Abuja and UNICEF.
According to the statement, the items to be distributed are for 250 beneficiary schools, which comprise 242,176 Textbooks for different grades, 200 Play Materials for ECCDE, 25 ECCDE Tables & Chairs, 8,210 Library materials resources and 35 UNICEF (NLP) focus schools for solar power equipment.
During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Lawal expressed that Zamfara, an educationally disadvantaged state in Nigeria, will continue to require support and engagement from national and international partners to advance education in the state.
He said, “I am delighted to be at this significant event of distributing reading materials to students in our basic education subsector. This gesture is one of the many interventions that Zamfara State benefits from.
“We are overhauling sixty (60) secondary schools across the state under the World Bank Assisted Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA). Each local government area has six (6) secondary schools undergoing renovation, while the state capital, Gusau, has eight (8).
“The education emergency declared in the state is not limited to only basic and secondary education but also tertiary-level education. Provision of new facilities and rehabilitation of old ones is ongoing in all tertiary institutions across the state.
“Today’s event is a step in the right direction at the right time. It complements our efforts to provide Zamfara with qualitative and equitable education to liberate our people from ignorance and poverty. UNICEF’s noble objectives of promoting literacy and educational opportunities for students and learners in the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) initiative, aimed at facilitating learning both within and outside the classrooms, are commendable”
Furthermore, the governor disclosed measures his government took to settle the backlog of WAEC and NECO debts owed by the previous administrations of the state.
“We are reviving education at all levels to give meaning to the lives of our young people. Today, our students are writing both WAEC and NECO examinations like their counterparts across the country, leading to timely result releases. We have negotiated with the examination bodies and began settlement of liabilities inherited due to the failure of the past regimes to meet this basic requirement.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor February 28, 2024
