Jigawa Governor Namadi Wins Big: NUT Awards Best Education Leader in Northern Nigeria

This is how African leadership should look! Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State just bagged the prestigious "Best Performing Governor in Northern Nigeria" award from the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), and honestly, it's about time we celebrate leaders who actually deliver for their people.

While other states are busy making excuses and cutting corners, Governor Namadi is out here showing what visionary leadership looks like. The NUT delegation, led by Deputy National President Muhammad Hambali, didn't just show up to Government House Dutse for photo ops. They came with receipts, acknowledging a leader who has transformed Jigawa's education landscape.

Real Leadership in Action

Here's what separates champions from the rest: while other governors were refusing to implement the national minimum wage, Governor Namadi went ahead and implemented what Hambali called a "jumbo-sized salary" for teachers. That's not just policy, that's putting your people first.

"When other governors were sacking or retrenching teachers and workers, our Governor Namadi was busy laughing, smiling, and recruiting more teachers," Hambali noted. "While other states delay salaries, salaries are paid on or before the 20th of every month in Jigawa."

This is the kind of governance that builds nations from the ground up. No excuses, no delays, just results.

Setting the Standard for Nigeria

The NUT leadership didn't hold back in their praise, with Hambali calling Governor Namadi "a teacher-governor for all governors in Nigeria." He even challenged other state leaders to visit Jigawa and study Namadi's model of educational development.

"I call on all governors in Nigeria to come to Jigawa and learn from Your Excellency," Hambali declared. This isn't just recognition, it's a masterclass being offered to the entire nation.

Strategic Reforms That Work

Governor Namadi's approach shows the power of strategic thinking. His administration split the education ministry into two separate entities focusing on basic education and wider education, streamlining policy implementation. "The decision has paid off," the governor confirmed.

In his response, Governor Namadi demonstrated the humility that defines true leadership: "I want to dedicate this award to our teachers for their commitment, for their hard work, and for their resilience."

This is what happens when African leaders prioritize their people over politics. Governor Namadi's success in Jigawa proves that with the right vision and commitment, Nigerian states can achieve excellence in education and beyond.

As we approach 2027, leaders like Governor Namadi represent the future of Nigerian governance. They show that when we invest in our people, especially in education, we're investing in a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.