Jigawa acquires private university for N11bn

Published By: Paul Dada

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Dutse

The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved N11 billion for the acquisition of Khadija university, a private higher institution located within the state.

The State’s Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Sagiru Musa, stated this while briefing journalists on the decisions of the state weekly Executive Council meeting.

According to him, the Council approved for the purchase of the university from its proprietor after a series of negotiations.

Musa said the approval followed the decision of the Council to improve and expand the standard of tertiary education in the state.

He further stated:  “The State Government found it imperative to acquire the existing private university in the state and convert it to a state-owned university, to expand access to higher education for the teeming Jigawa youths and to produce the required manpower for sustainable growth and development of the State.

“The Council has also approved for the immediate payment of N4 billion while the remaining balance will be paid on instalments.

“A committee comprising the State Commissioner for Higher Education and Commissioner for Basic Education was established and saddled with responsibility for coming up with process of taking over the newly acquired university and the modalities needed for continued running of it without jeopardising the fate of the admitted students.

“By acquiring Khadija University in Majia town of Taura local government, the state government will now have two state-ownes universities.

“The Council has also approved for the purchase of additional 20 Combined Harvesters at the N1,247,778,728.00k, as part of the effort of the government policy on agricultural mechanisation for improving food production and job opportunities in the state.”