By: Ahmed Rufa’i
In a bold move to deepen access to basic education and social inclusion, the Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has launched the Danmodi Students Care Mega Programme, a comprehensive initiative targeting over 25,000 vulnerable children across the state.
The programme places special emphasis on children living with disabilities, Almajiri (street beggars), and school dropouts spread across the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Namadi said the initiative is a core component of his administration’s 12-Point Agenda for Greater Jigawa, which prioritises investment in people particularly education as a catalyst for sustainable development.
According to him, the Danmodi Students Care Initiative complements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in the area of basic and general education reforms.
“This programme is designed to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, which seeks to expand access, equity and quality in education. Our commitment at the state level is to ensure that no child is left behind,” Namadi said.
He noted that the Federal Government’s establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund has further strengthened opportunities for indigent students to access tertiary education, describing it as a landmark intervention under President Tinubu’s education reforms.
Governor Namadi disclosed that in the 2025 fiscal year alone, the Jigawa State Government invested N8.1 billion in scholarship support, benefitting nearly 35,000 students in local and international institutions as part of its human capital development drive.
He stressed that the Danmodi Students Care Programme has evolved into a transformative and inclusive intervention, covering learners at all levels, including Almajiri in traditional Qur’anic schools.
“I am highly delighted that this initiative prioritises inclusivity, dignity and hope. It reflects our unwavering commitment to education and student welfare, ensuring that every child receives the support needed to thrive,” the governor stated.
As part of the 2026 phase of the programme, Namadi announced the rollout of a wide-ranging empowerment package, including the distribution of educational materials and school uniforms to 25,000 out-of-school children, as well as the provision of 300 bicycles and wheelchairs to improve access and mobility for secondary school students and children with disabilities.
Other interventions include the distribution of 100 laptops to Jigawa students at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil and the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, alongside the empowerment of 2,500 Almajiri and 287 Qur’anic school teachers to further entrench inclusive education.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Muhammad Salisu Seeker, said that within two and a half years, the Danmodi Students Care Programme has become a household name in Jigawa State, directly benefiting over 250,000 students.
He revealed that the initiative has facilitated university admissions for more than 15,000 students and placements for over 40,000 others in colleges of education, polytechnics and monotechnics, while also reducing dropout rates through the distribution of 55,000 school uniforms, 55,000 school bags and 200,000 exercise books.
