Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has emphasized the pivotal role of education in promoting social mobility and announced substantial budgetary allocations to the education sector in the state’s 2024 appropriation.
Speaking at the combined third and fourth convocation ceremony of the Federal University Gusau, Governor Lawal highlighted his administration’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and opportunities.
During the event, Governor Lawal announced a scholarship award for the overall best-graduating student of the university. In his address, he expressed pride in the university’s accomplishments despite early challenges and acknowledged the dedication of students, parents, and guardians. He reassured the audience of his administration’s resolve to overcome the nation’s challenges and build a brighter future through education.
Governor Lawal stated, “We are determined to educate all the children of Zamfara. Education is the enabler that provides the space and opportunity for easier social mobility.”
He reiterated his government’s goal to achieve the recommended 25-30 percent budget allocation to education and emphasized the importance of efficient resource management to revive educational infrastructure, recruit and train competent teachers, and improve learning environments.
He outlined plans to increase primary and post-basic school enrollment through public enlightenment and the creation of better educational facilities. He also reaffirmed that education in Zamfara State is free and aims to make it compulsory.
Governor Lawal noted significant budget allocations to tertiary institutions, including the Zamfara State University, which is preparing for its first accreditation by the National Universities Commission. He directed contractors previously halted by the former administration to resume work, ensuring the university’s permanent site becomes functional soon.
Addressing past issues, he mentioned that the state had inherited unpaid examination fees for WAEC and NECO amounting to billions of Naira. His administration has initiated payments to settle these debts.
Governor Lawal concluded by promising continued support to the Federal University Gusau within the state’s limited resources, emphasizing the administration’s objective to expand educational access and opportunities for all young people in Zamfara State.
