The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has recognised Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, as the “Best Performing Governor in Northern Nigeria” in the education sector. The union described him as a visionary and teacher-friendly leader whose reforms have strengthened the state’s education system.
The award was presented at the Government House in Dutse during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by the NUT Deputy National President, Muhammad Hambali. The delegation included chairmen of the union from all 19 northern states.
Hambali explained that the honour was based on Governor Namadi’s consistent commitment to improving education in Jigawa, especially at a time when many states were struggling with unpaid salaries, workforce reductions, and delayed implementation of the national minimum wage.
“You are a visionary leader, an exemplary leader. And as the popular saying goes, ‘What is good for the goose is good for the gander.’ It is on this basis that the Nigerian Union of Teachers has deemed it necessary to honour you for your outstanding performance and your commitment to raising the standard of education in Jigawa State,” he said.
He highlighted that while many governors held back on minimum wage adjustments, Jigawa paid a “jumbo-sized salary” to teachers.
“When other governors refused to implement the national minimum wage, Governor Namadi implemented a jumbo-sized salary for teachers in Jigawa State. When other governors were sacking or retrenching teachers and workers, our Governor Namadi was busy laughing, smiling, and recruiting more teachers and not unnecessarily, but because the system needed them. While other states delay salaries, here in Jigawa, salaries are paid on or before the 20th of every month. For this, Your Excellency, we say thank you.”
Hambali encouraged governors across the country to learn from Jigawa’s approach, calling Namadi “a teacher-governor for all governors in Nigeria.”
“It is on this note that I call on all governors in Nigeria to come to Jigawa and learn from Your Excellency to study and emulate the good work you are doing in education. You are a ‘teacher-governor’ for all governors in Nigeria.”
He added that the NUT president urged the union to celebrate Namadi for his leadership and people-focused governance as the administration continues its work toward 2027.
“That is why Mr. President said that when we come here, we must appreciate you, celebrate you, and pray for you especially as we approach 2027. Insha Allah, this administration will continue to rise higher and higher.”
In his response, Governor Namadi thanked the union and dedicated the award to teachers across the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Jigawa State, I want to thank you for this initiative. You are seeing our modest contribution to the education sector and feel that we deserve to be honoured,” he said.
He noted that teachers have been central to the state’s progress.
“Our teachers fall in line with our agenda, and they feel we are partners in progress, and they agree that we should work together to improve the learning outcomes in our state. So I want to dedicate this award to our teachers for their commitment, for their hard work, and for their resilience.”
The governor also highlighted key reforms introduced on assumption of office.
“The first thing we did when we came here was to separate the education ministry into two, now the principle of basic education and the principle of wider education just to introduce bureaucracy to policy implementation. And I want to confirm to the national president that the decision has paid off.
“We have invested a lot in education, and we will continue to invest,” Namadi said.
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