From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa State government in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and National Institute for Educational Planning and administration (NIEPA), funded by European Union (EU), Disseminated a ten-year State Education Strategic Plan (SESP/SESOP) and local governments education strategic Operational Plans (LESOPs) for better education in the state.
Speaking during the dissemination held at Three Stars hotel Dutse, the state commissioner for basic education Alhaji Lawan Yunusa Danzomo said, through European Union (EU) funded Education and Youth Empowerment Program in Northern Nigeria (EYPINN) the plan targeted 2026-2035 aimed to provide a comprehensive ten years framework for the development and transformation of the education sector in the state.
He explained that, the plan covers all levels of education including Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE), basic education (Primary and Junior secondary schools), Senior Secondary education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Adult and Non formal education, Nomads education, tertiary education, Teacher professional development and education quality assurance.
According to him, in alignment with UNICEF/NIEPA templat, the SESP focus on key thematic areas that define the strength and sustainable education system in Jigawa state.
The Commissioner identified the key thematic areas as Access Equality and Inclusiveness, quality and relevance of education, infrastructure and facilities, governance management and efficiency, Resilience and emergency preparedness and lastly suitable financing.
While commending EU for funding and UNICEF/NIEPA as partners, the commissioner also assured the state and local government’s Commitments for the full implementation of the plans.
While delivering his speech the UNICEF education specialist, Muttaqa Muktar Muhammad Said, the EU funded EYPINN program is aims to increase the number of girls and boys benefiting from the save, inclusive, relevant learning and skills development opportunities in Jigawa, Kano and Sokoto states.
He explained that, the comprehensive scope ensure that the SESP serves as both strategic and operational guide for achieving inclusive, high-quality and future ready education for all citizens of Jigawa State, as it provides strategic policy directions, priority interventions, implementation arrangements and performance targets to guide education sector development over the plan period.
The education specialist then, commended Jigawa State government for partnering with UNICEF in championing the basic needs of children in areas like education, health, and their protection.
Also speaking during the event, the Director General/Chief executive, National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Nigeria, Dr. A.D Shofoyeke, announced NIEPA collaboration with UNICEF in the development of education sector plans for five states across Nigeria, including Lagos, Jigawa, Enugu, Sokoto and Adamawa states.
She explained that the dissemination of the first phase of education sector plans covering Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Cross rivers, Gombe and Katsina states has been successfully completed.
According to her, the education sector plans I five states, started in 2025 with the scoping review of existing sector plan documents covering education sector performance Assessment Tools (ESPAT) State Education Strategic Plan (SESP) State Education Sector Operational Plan (SESOP) and local Education Sector Operational Plan (LESOP).
The Director General who insists Education is the bedrock of any development said, it is crucial to ensure every child has access to quality education regardless of his/her location or circumstances.
She then, Urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the implementation process adding that collaboration are essential for the success of this plans.
