Jigawa State has advanced its digital transformation agenda with the graduation of 928 youths trained in emerging technologies.
The state also launched a digital performance portal to enhance transparency, accountability and public access to government activities.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Government House in Dutse, marked the completion of a one-year professional diploma programme under the World Bank-supported Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.
The programme was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education and delivered by Baze University, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi said his administration was investing heavily in digital skills and technology-driven governance to position Jigawa’s youth for opportunities in the global knowledge economy while accelerating the state’s socio-economic development.
He said the graduates acquired industry-relevant skills in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, cybersecurity, software engineering, data analytics, business intelligence and digital literacy, among other emerging fields.
According to the governor, the initiative forms part of the state’s long-term strategy to create a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
To reward excellence, Namadi announced that 30 outstanding graduates would receive laptop computers from the state government, while four participants had secured employment with Baze University.
He urged the graduates to apply their knowledge responsibly by developing innovative solutions, creating businesses and contributing to the state’s digital transformation.
The governor also unveiled the Jigawa State 12-Point Agenda Digital Performance Portal, describing it as a landmark initiative that would enable citizens, development partners, investors and other stakeholders to monitor government programmes and projects in real time.
He explained that the portal would track the implementation of projects across the state’s 27 local government areas and 287 political wards, strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in governance.
Governor Namadi highlighted several digital initiatives already introduced by his administration, including the establishment of the Jigawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (JITDA), implementation of the State ICT Master Plan in partnership with NITDA, the J-COMPETE and J-UNITE programmes, Community ICT Centres, digital skills training through GLUWA, and e-government capacity-building for civil servants in collaboration with KOICA.
Minister of Education, Dr Moruf Olatunji Alausa, described the graduation as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to equip young people with digital competencies for the future workforce.
He commended the Jigawa State Government for prioritising technology education and announced plans by the Federal Government to launch a Digital Training Academy in partnership with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme to provide advanced training and certification in emerging technologies.
