The Jigawa State Government has approved a substantial allocation of N888 million for the registration of National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) for the 2024 academic year.
This financial commitment will cover the examination fees for 39,709 candidates, ensuring that students in Jigawa State have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals without the burden of registration costs.
The announcement was made by Sagir Musa, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports, and Culture, following the state executive council meeting held on Thursday.
In addition to the educational funding, the state executive council has approved N921.9 million for additional works on the ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation of the Auyo-Kafin Hausa road.
The contract has been awarded to Messrs ALREN Construction Company Ltd., reflecting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing connectivity within the state.
Further demonstrating its dedication to economic development, the council has also approved N16.1 million for additional consultancy services to be provided by Messrs Innovative Engineering Consultant. This will ensure that the road maintenance project is executed with the highest standards of engineering expertise.
Moreover, the council has allocated N400 million to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the state. This funding represents the final tranche of the N1 billion previously approved for the MSME project account, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth at the grassroots level.
Recognizing the importance of fair and equitable compensation for public servants, the council has established a 10-member committee to oversee the implementation of the new minimum wage in Jigawa State. The committee, chaired by the Jigawa Head of Service, includes commissioners from various key departments, along with the Special Adviser on Salary and Pension, and the Personal Secretary to Governor Umar Namadi, who will serve as the committee’s secretary.
These comprehensive measures reflect the Jigawa State Government’s strategic approach to promoting education, infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and fair labor practices, ensuring a holistic advancement of the state’s socio-economic landscape.
(NAN)