By Sabiu Abdullahi

Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has announced plans to dissolve the country’s parliament on Friday and hold a snap general election, a move aimed at securing public backing for her spending agenda and wider policy programme.

The announcement, made on Monday, comes barely three months after Takaichi assumed office as Japan’s first female prime minister. The planned election will determine all 465 seats in the lower house of parliament and will represent her first nationwide electoral test since taking office.

“Today, I, as the Prime Minister, have decided to dissolve the lower house on January 23,” Takaichi said at a news conference.

Political observers say an early vote could help the prime minister take advantage of her current popularity. It could also strengthen her position within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and stabilise her coalition, which holds a narrow majority in parliament.

The coming election is expected to focus heavily on economic concerns, especially rising living costs. Many voters have expressed anxiety about inflation and household expenses. A recent opinion poll released by public broadcaster NHK indicated that 45 per cent of respondents identified prices as their biggest concern.

Diplomacy and national security followed, with 16 per cent.If confirmed, the snap election will set the stage for a major political contest that will shape Japan’s economic direction and test public confidence in Takaichi’s leadership at an early stage of her tenure.

By Professor Salisu Shehu, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC)

Paper Presented at the maiden international conference of the Department of Art and Social Science Education, Federal University, Dutse. Jigawa State held on the 13^th January 2016

Introduction

It is with great enthusiasm that I wish to thank the organisers for inviting me to the maiden International Conference of the Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Federal University, Dutse. I am delighted to be delivering a paper on “Policy, Pedagogy and Practice: Reforming the Curriculum for Moral and Digital Competence”. This maiden conference is of particular significance because of its focus on upholding moral responsibilities in the face of rapid penetration of information technology in the world of  today. It is no news to anyone that although information technology has positively impacted on our world, making life a lot easier than it was some decades ago, it comes with a myriad of challenges that sometimes undermine our moral values, age long principles of good living and our most cherished societal norms.

Without a doubt, education is the sector of the economy that holds the key to transformational national development. It remains the gateway to human capital development, social reengineering and total rebirth of a society confronted with many ills arising, largely from the wrong use of information technology. The unprecedented integration of digital technologies into daily life in recent times has raised important issues regarding responsibility, ethics, and the effects on society. Digital competence, encompassing abilities in information literacy, data security, and the responsible use of AI, must now intersect with moral competence, which encompasses values such as civic engagement, respect, and accountability. To fulfil these two imperatives and ensure that education not only transmits knowledge but also develops responsible digital citizens, curriculum reform remains indispensable.

Globally, contemporary curriculum reform is increasingly informed by internationally recognised frameworks such as Global Citizenship Education (GCED), Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), and the European Union’s Digital Competence Framework (DigComp). These foreground ethical responsibility, social justice, sustainability, global interconnectedness, and ethical engagement in digital environments (EU, 2018). These global frameworks have also influenced our national curriculum reforms with the aim of refocusing our education system and preparing learners for responsible participation in a rapidly changing world. However, the influence of these frameworks on curriculum reform process has been gauged with our uniqueness as a people.

The accelerating integration of technologies into education has also heightened concerns around misinformation, cyberbullying, data privacy breaches, online radicalisation, and digital addiction. Consequently, moral education, digital citizenship, and ethical use of technology are no longer optional but have become central pillars of contemporary curriculum design. In parallel, persistent global challenges of equity, access, and inclusion continue to shape reform agendas. Curriculum transformation must therefore address disparities in digital access and learning opportunities, particularly within developing contexts. In this regard, Nigeria’s curriculum reform efforts are geared towards striking a careful balance between global best practices and our local socio-cultural realities.

More broadly, curriculum reform has become a global imperative as nations strive to respond to the rapid technological change, moral uncertainty, economic restructuring, and the pressures of globalisation. Today’s education no longer focuses solely on knowledge transmission, but on fostering competencies that enable learners to function effectively, ethically, and responsibly in complex, digitalised, and pluralistic societies (UNESCO, 2015; OECD, 2019). As a result, moral competence and digital competence have emerged as critical learning outcomes in our revised national school curricula.

The revised national school curricula also represent a deliberate shift away from content-heavy instructional models toward the development of functional skills, values, attitudes, and competencies that align with our national development priorities and global competitiveness. In the new school curricula, moral competence and responsible technology use are highly emphasised. As digital technologies are integrated into learning, it is our responsibility as educators to ensure that learners are not only digitally proficient but also morally grounded in the ethical use of technology.

Arising from the foregoing, this paper argues, and correctly, that meaningful and sustainable curriculum reforms must deliberately integrate moral and digital competence across policy formulation, curriculum design, pedagogy, and classroom practice. Drawing on global curriculum trends and using the NERDC curriculum review process as a reference point, the paper advances the position that moral and digital competence should be conceptualised and implemented as core curriculum outcomes not as extracurricular activity.

Statement of Position and Central Argument

For curriculum reform to produce functional and adaptable learners for the 21st century, it must deliberately prioritise moral and digital competence within an outcome-based competency framework. Disciplinary and subject knowledge are increasingly insufficient in addressing contemporary social, economic, and technological challenges. There must be a deliberate integration of values and digital skills into curriculum design.

The central argument of this paper is threefold. First, moral and digital competence constitute foundational capacities for lifelong learning, employability, social participation, and responsible citizenship in today’s world. Learners who possess technical skills without ethical grounding are ill-equipped to navigate complex moral dilemmas, misinformation, and digital risks. In fact, such learners constitute a danger to the society, in all ramifications. Second, curriculum reform that concentrates primarily on policy redesign and content restructuring, without corresponding alignment in pedagogy, assessment, and classroom practice, risks remaining rhetorical rather than transformative (Fullan, 2016). Meaningful reform requires coherence between curriculum intentions and everyday teaching and learning processes. Third, the long-term effectiveness of the NERDC curriculum reform initiative depends on the extent to which moral and digital competence are systematically embedded across subject areas, instructional strategies, assessment approaches, teacher professional development, and school culture. Without such integration, curriculum reform may not meet the intended impact on learning outcomes and national development.

Policy landscape for moral and digital competence in the Nigerian education sector

Educational policy provides the normative, regulatory, and structural foundation for curriculum development and implementation. In Nigeria, the National Policy on Education places strong emphasis on the holistic development of learners who can contribute to national development (Federal Republic of Nigeria [FRN], 2014). Consistent with this policy orientation, our curriculum reviews reflect a deliberate shift toward functional, learner-centred teaching and learning.

It is on this premise that our revised school curricula explicitly integrate 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy. This aligns our policy direction with global curriculum reform trends that prioritise transferable skills, adaptability, and problem-solving capacities over rote memorisation and content accumulation (UNESCO, 2015; World Bank, 2020). It is also done in recognition of the need to prepare learners for the rapidly evolving labour markets, civic participation, and lifelong learning in our digitalised world.

Despite these advances, significant policy gaps persist, particularly in the linkage between education policy, national digital transformation strategies, and youth development frameworks. It is against this backdrop that this paper argues that there should be greater coherence between education policy, national digital transformation strategies, and youth development frameworks to ensure policy alignment and systemic implementation for impact at the school level. Without such integration, the transformative potential of curriculum reform risks being undermined in implementation.

Pedagogical Imperatives for Moral and Digital Competence

Curriculum reform cannot yield meaningful outcomes without a corresponding pedagogical transformation. Traditional teacher-centred instructional approaches, which are largely characterised by rote memorisation, passive learning, and examination-driven practices, are fundamentally incompatible with competency-based education. This is because the competency-based approaches prioritise the development of transferable skills, values, and applied knowledge (Darling-Hammond et al., 2020). To effectively cultivate moral reasoning and digital competence, learning environments must be learner-centred, participatory, and reflective. Learning must also enable learners to actively construct meaning and apply learning in their daily lives.

Furthermore, there must be emphasis on the use of pedagogies that foster moral competence and sustained engagement with values, ethical reasoning, and real-life moral dilemmas. These strategies (such as values clarification, character education, moral dilemma discussions, service learning, and civic engagement) would provide learners with opportunities to reflect on ethical issues, negotiate moral conflicts, and internalise socially desirable values, and are achieved through practice and social interaction (Nucci, Narvaez, & Krettenauer, 2014). These approaches shift moral education from abstract moral instruction to lived moral experience, thereby strengthening learners’ capacity for ethical judgment and responsible citizenship.

In a similar vein, the development of digital competence requires pedagogical approaches that promote creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Learner-centred strategies such as project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, collaborative learning, and blended or technology-enhanced learning environments allow learners to engage meaningfully with digital tools while simultaneously developing ethical awareness, media literacy, and responsible online behaviour. Through these pedagogical models, learners are not merely users of technology but reflective digital citizens capable of evaluating information, managing digital risks, and applying technology responsibly.

Furthermore, assessment practices must also be aligned with the principles of outcome-based competence education. Teachers should use portfolios, project work, performance-based tasks, peer assessment, and formative feedback to evaluate moral and digital competence (OECD, 2019). These assessment approaches would capture learners’ ability to apply knowledge, demonstrate ethical judgment, and assess how skills are transferred across contexts.

A major challenge to this is funding. Limited professional development opportunities, insufficient monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, teachers’ resistance to change, limited capacity for innovative instructional practices, and deeply entrenched examination-oriented school cultures are affecting curriculum implementation. Additionally, technological constraints, such as infrastructure and unequal access to digital resources, are affecting the effective integration of digital competence.

Socio-cultural factors also present challenges, including divergent value systems, parental concerns, and ethical anxieties surrounding learners’ exposure to digital environments. Without deliberate planning and sustained support, there is a risk that moral and digital competence may be treated superficially, resulting in symbolic compliance rather than genuine pedagogical transformation and meaningful learning outcomes.

Strategic Directions and Suggestions

To address these challenges, this paper proposes several strategic directions.

1. Curriculum policy implementation and monitoring must be strengthened to ensure alignment between intended and enacted curricula.
2. Moral and digital competence should be explicitly defined as compulsory learning outcomes across educational levels beginning from the teacher training institutions.
3. Improved and sustained investment in teacher professional development is essential. This should include comprehensive pre-service training in teachers’ training institutions to build foundational skills in moral and digital competence from the outset, as well as ongoing in-service training programmes for practising teachers.
4. Establishment of sustained partnerships with technology firms and the community. This would support resource provision and also provide opportunities for experiential learning.
5. Curriculum reform should be viewed as a continuous, evidence-informed process responsive to societal change.

Conclusion

Reforming the curriculum for moral and digital competence is necessary in the context of Nigeria’s educational transformation. The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council curriculum review is a significant step toward outcome and competency-based education. However, its success depends on the adoption of innovative pedagogies and effective classroom practice.

Preparing learners for ethical and functional participation in a digital world requires coordinated action among policymakers, educators, communities, and other stakeholders. Curriculum reform must therefore be intentional, holistic, and sustained if it is to produce morally grounded, digitally competent, and socially responsible citizens.

Other Resources

Darling-Hammond, L., Flook, L., Cook-Harvey, C., Barron, B., & Osher, D. (2020). Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development. Applied Developmental Science, 24(2), 97–140. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791

European Union. (2018). DigComp 2.1: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens with eight proficiency levels and examples of use. Publications Office of the European Union.

Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2014). National policy on education (6th ed.). NERDC Press.

NERDC. (2023). Revised national curriculum framework for basic and secondary education in Nigeria. Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council

Nucci, L. P., Narvaez, D., & Krettenauer, T. (2014). Handbook of moral and character education (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2019). OECD learning compass 2030: A series of concept notes. OECD Publishing.

UNESCO. (2015). Global citizenship education: Topics and learning objectives. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

UNESCO. (2015). Rethinking education: Towards a global common good? United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

UNESCO. (2023). Guidance on generative AI in education and research. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

World Bank. (2020). World development report 2020: Trading for development in the age of global value chains. World Bank Publications.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Judiciary has pledged to expedite the trial of those accused of a gruesome massacre that claimed seven lives in Dorayi, Chiranci, Gidan Kwari.

A spokesperson for the council, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, made the declaration in an interview with Freedom Radio Nigeria, stating that there would be no delays as the incident has profoundly shaken the conscience of the community.

“The case will not be delayed because this matter has deeply disturbed every person of faith,” Ibrahim stated emphatically.

He further issued a strong appeal to the executive arm of government, urging them to ensure the prompt execution of court judgements once delivered.

This, he emphasized, is crucial for restoring lasting peace and public confidence in the justice system.

The commitment follows public outcry over the brutal killings, with authorities now under pressure to demonstrate that justice will be both swift and sure.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Kano State Police have arrested three men suspected of masterminding the brutal killing of a housewife and her six children in the Dorayi Chiranchi area of the state.

The arrest followed a sting operation conducted between 10 p.m. on January 17 and 4 a.m. on January 18, 2026, based on directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, stated that the principal suspect, Umar Auwalu, 23, who is a nephew to the deceased woman, confessed to the crime during interrogation.

Auwalu also admitted that his syndicate was responsible for several other recent violent attacks, including the killing and burning of two housewives in Tudun Yola Quarters.

Other suspects arrested are Isyaku Yakubu (aka Chebe), 40, and Yakubu Abdulaziz (aka Wawo), 21.

Police recovered several items from the suspects, including blood-stained clothes, the deceased’s two mobile phones, a cutlass, a club (Gora), an undisclosed sum of money stolen from the scene, and other dangerous weapons.

The Kano State Police Command commended the officers involved in the operation and the public for their support, assuring that investigation is ongoing and that all criminals will be brought to justice.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

During President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the 2026 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Nigeria announced that it will co-host Investopia with the UAE in Lagos, Nigeria, in February. The initiative aims to attract global investors and accelerate sustainable investment inflows into Nigeria.

Nigeria has also concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade. The agreement is expected to significantly strengthen trade relations and deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian businesses, professionals, and workers.

Overall, this expanding trade and economic relationship between Nigeria and the UAE represents a welcome development for both countries, with the potential to drive growth, job creation, and long-term economic collaboration.

However, on the international security front, the UAE is increasingly viewed through a more complex lens. Over the past decade, the country has pursued a more assertive foreign policy, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Africa.

The UAE has faced allegations and scrutiny from some governments, international organisations, media outlets, human rights groups, and analysts regarding its involvement in conflict-affected and politically fragile environments. These debates often centre on whether UAE actions have influenced or intensified existing crises, especially in several Muslim-majority countries.

In Sudan, various reports have alleged that the UAE was involved in the supply of weapons, including drones, to actors in the ongoing conflict. Some accounts claim that arms transfers were routed through neighbouring countries such as Chad, Libya, and Uganda, and that humanitarian operations served as logistical cover. Emirati authorities have denied these allegations, maintaining that the UAE supports humanitarian relief efforts and political solutions to the crisis.

In Yemen, the UAE was a key member of the Saudi-led coalition opposing the Iran-aligned Houthis. At the same time, analysts have pointed to UAE support for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks greater autonomy or independence for southern Yemen. Critics argue that this support contributed to political fragmentation, while others describe it as a pragmatic response to local security challenges and counter-terrorism objectives.

In Libya, the UAE has frequently been cited in international reports as a major external supporter of forces led by Khalifa Haftar and the Libyan National Army. Allegations include the provision of military assistance during operations against Tripoli-based authorities. UAE officials have consistently rejected claims of direct military involvement, emphasising their support for stability and counter-extremism.

In Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, some observers have raised concerns about the UAE’s engagement with regional authorities and security actors, particularly in Puntland and Somaliland, suggesting that this involvement may have influenced internal political and security dynamics.

More recently, the Federal Government of Somalia announced the cancellation of all agreements with the UAE, including deals covering port operations, security cooperation, and defence. Somali authorities cited alleged violations of national sovereignty as the reason for the decision. The UAE, however, maintains that its activities in Somalia and the region are conducted within frameworks of cooperation, development assistance, and mutual security interests.

In 2022, the United States Treasury sanctioned six Nigerian individuals for allegedly raising funds in the UAE to support Boko Haram. This followed earlier actions by UAE authorities in 2021, when individuals were arrested and prosecuted for operating a fundraising network linked to the group. Despite these incidents, Nigeria–UAE relations remain largely focused on investment, trade, and broader economic cooperation.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemba Paul Koughna, has reassured residents of Tidibale community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State of the Army’s commitment to strengthened security and lasting peace.

Major General Koughna gave the assurance during an assessment visit to the community as part of his first official engagements since assuming office.

The visit followed the recent return of residents who had earlier fled the area due to threats from bandits.

Addressing members of the community, the GOC said the visit was aimed at evaluating the security situation and ensuring that normalcy is fully restored.

He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its responsibility to protect lives and property, adding that troops have been deployed and are now stationed in Tidibale to maintain a strong security presence.

According to him, the deployment would enable residents, particularly farmers, to go about their daily activities without fear. He assured the community that no part of Tidibale would be allowed to fall under the control of bandits, noting that troops are on constant alert and ready to respond swiftly to any security threat.

Major General Koughna also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities, emphasizing that effective security can only be achieved through collaboration between the military and the local population.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Sarkin Arewa of Tidibale, Alhaji Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the GOC for the visit, describing it as timely and reassuring.

He said the presence of the Army has renewed hope among residents and boosted their confidence to return to their homes and farmlands.

Earlier, the GOC received an operational briefing from the Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Nasiru Mustapha, at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Isa.

The briefing highlighted the prevailing security situation and ongoing military operations in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to continue working closely with host communities to ensure enduring peace and security across the North West region.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Nigeria following his participation in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where a significant economic agreement with the United Arab Emirates was finalized.

On the sidelines of the summit, Nigeria signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

The pact is designed to strengthen economic ties, increase trade and investment, and foster collaboration in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and renewable energy, including technology transfer.

Addressing the summit, President Tinubu unveiled plans for a joint Nigeria-UAE “INVESTOPIA” event scheduled for Lagos in February.

The initiative is targeted at drawing global investors to the country.

The President also outlined Nigeria’s ambitious climate finance goal, stating the nation aims to secure up to $30 billion each year to support its energy transition and drive efforts to expand electricity access across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Kano State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation following the gruesome murder of a woman and her six children at their home in the Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters on Friday.

According to a police press release, a distress call was received at about 12:10 pm on January 17, 2025, reporting that unknown hoodlums had broken into the residence of Haruna Bashir and attacked his household.

The victims, identified as 35-year-old Fatima Abubakar and her six children, were assaulted with dangerous weapons, sustaining fatal injuries.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, immediately deployed a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Lawal Isah Mani, to the scene.

The bodies were evacuated to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, where medical personnel confirmed their deaths.

The Police Commissioner has instructed a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), led by ACP Wada Jarma, to conduct a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrators.

The command has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, the Dorayi Chiranchi community, and the people of Kano State.

By Ahmed Usman

Away from political noise and headline-grabbing theatrics, Jigawa State under Governor Umar Namadi is pursuing a disciplined development path; one that prioritises agriculture, human capital, and long-term economic foundations.

In Nigeria’s political culture, analysts have long relied on improvised metrics to judge elected officials: the first 100 days, the first year, or the widely appealed 18-month threshold, said to be the point when a new administration needs to settle, understand its responsibilities, and develop its own identity separate from the previous government. Yet in practice, Nigerian governments often have only two effective years to deliver results before politics and electioneering reclaim the agenda. 

The remaining two years are usually taken over by political campaigns, party struggles, and early preparations for the next election. By that measure, the administrations sworn in May 2023 have crossed the decisive midpoint, and any government unable to clearly articulate its policy direction, measurable outcomes, and long-term vision at this stage must confront uncomfortable questions about competence and priorities.

This moment offers a useful lens through which to reassess Jigawa State, a place often dismissed by outsiders as economically marginal or politically inconsequential. For decades, Jigawa was viewed through a narrow lens of poverty rankings and limited industrial activity. With agriculture providing livelihoods for nearly two-thirds of households and with relatively low levels of urbanisation, critics frequently argued that the state lacked the structural foundations to become economically competitive. Such narratives, however, ignore a fundamental truth about development: transformation often begins quietly, long before it becomes visible in national headlines. Under Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi, Jigawa is now presenting evidence of such a shift, deliberate, methodical, and quietly disruptive.

I do not write as a political pundit but as a citizen who cares deeply about his locality, a state too often stereotyped and misunderstood. Jigawa has long been caricatured as peripheral, yet today it provides an unlikely case study in how disciplined governance can chart a new economic course. What makes this transformation compelling is not bombast or political spectacle, but the understated way the administration communicates, through actions, policies, and investments rather than theatrics. The government speaks not in rhetoric but in results that are gradually reshaping the state’s economic and social landscape.

That message is clearest in the administration’s approach to agriculture. Recognising that Jigawa’s comparative advantage lies in its fertile land and large smallholder base, Danmodi has pushed aggressively to modernise the sector. Irrigation expansion, improved access to inputs, and strengthened value chains are already raising yields and market access. Given that Jigawa possesses nearly 150,000 hectares of land suitable for irrigated agriculture, this strategy is not only rational but transformative, positioning the state as a future food production hub in northern Nigeria. These efforts may not dominate front-page news, but they represent the kind of foundational work that changes economic destinies.

That same quiet logic underpins reforms in education, perhaps the most consequential area for a state where literacy remains below the national average. From classroom renovations and teacher training to curriculum enhancement, these interventions reflect a long-term commitment to human capital rather than a search for quick political points. In a region where poor educational outcomes fuel cycles of poverty, ignoring such structural issues would be far more costly than confronting them.

Equally important is the administration’s effort to build an economy that is less dependent on federal allocations. In a country where many states survive almost entirely on monthly revenue from Abuja, Jigawa’s pursuit of internally generated revenue, industrial growth, and investment-friendly reforms reflects an understanding that true development requires financial independence. The state’s infrastructure push, spanning rural electrification, road construction, and urban renewal, is designed to support this transition. Reliable electricity, particularly, is indispensable for revitalising small and medium enterprises, which account for the lion’s share of non-oil employment in Nigeria.

These economic initiatives intersect meaningfully with reforms in healthcare and social protection. For a state grappling with high maternal and infant mortality, investments in primary healthcare centres, vaccination programs, and emergency response systems signal a welcome shift toward preventive, not reactive, governance. Jigawa’s emerging life-cycle social protection model, supporting individuals from pregnancy through childhood, youth, and old age, offers an unusually holistic approach in a country where social safety nets are often fragmented or nonexistent. Together, these policies communicate a consistent message: development is possible only when people are healthy, educated, and economically empowered.

Taken as a whole, the administration’s work sends a subtle but powerful signal. It suggests a government not merely managing day-to-day affairs but intentionally laying the groundwork for what the state could become. This is the essence of Jigawa’s quiet revolution: a governance model that prioritises structure over spectacle and competence over performative politics. It is a reminder that some of the most meaningful transformations are neither loud nor dramatic; they are steady, disciplined, and anchored in long-term vision.

For years, sceptics argued that Jigawa lacked the capacity to catch up with more industrialised states. But development rarely follows a straight line. It accelerates when leadership aligns with strategy, when investments target the roots rather than symptoms of underdevelopment, and when political ambition is tempered with economic realism. 

Under Danmodi, Jigawa is beginning to suggest that its future will not be determined by its past reputation but by its present choices. These choices, rooted in economic transformation, human capital development, and institutional stability, show a state no longer content to survive but ready to shape its own future.

This is why the story of Jigawa today matters. It is a reminder that progress does not always announce itself with fanfare. Sometimes, it emerges quietly, through the steady accumulation of policies that, taken together, signal a shift too significant to ignore. Under the right leadership and with the right priorities, even a state long written off by pessimists can begin to rewrite its place in the Nigerian economy. And in Jigawa, that rewriting has unmistakably begun.

Ahmed Usman wrote via ahmedusmanbox@gmail.com.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

The Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture (ABCOA), Dambatta, Professor Muhammad Abdu Wailare, has formally handed over the leadership of the institution to the Deputy Provost after unveiling the college’s Science and Technology Journal.

The handover took place during a ceremonious send-forth event organized in honour of the outgoing Provost, whose administration spanned eight years from 15 January 2018 to 15 January 2026.

Professor Wailare’s tenure was widely described as impactful, recording remarkable achievements across all sectors of the college, benefiting students as well as academic and non-academic staff.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Provost, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim who has now assumed office as the Acting Provost highlighted the significant developments witnessed under Professor Wailare’s leadership.

“Professor Wailare is calm and focused, hardly distracted from his vision,” Dr. Ibrahim said.

“Before his administration, ABCOA had fewer than 30 academic programmes, but today the college runs about 80 different programmes.

“Social inclusiveness has also improved significantly, with young academics now serving as heads of departments. We assure him that his legacy in this college will be sustained,” the Acting Provost concluded.

Other members of the college management also took turns to testify to the leadership qualities and achievements of the outgoing Provost.In his remarks, Professor Wailare expressed gratitude to the entire ABCOA community, stating that the college would forever remain dear to his heart.

“I am overwhelmed and deeply indebted for this warm reception,” he said. “Even after my departure, I will continue to stand with you, and my doors remain open to honour your personal invitations.

“Eight years are not eight days. Today, I am bidding farewell to the college and its people. I realised that ABCOA has many intelligent and talented individuals. Identifying and engaging them was the key to our success.

“The students are also a major part of our success, especially the last dual leadership of NAKSS and the Students’ Union Government,” he added.

Professor Wailare expressed confidence in the leadership of his successor, describing the Acting Provost as capable and competent.

The event also featured the presentation of awards by various academic and non-academic unions to the outgoing Provost, as emotions ran high among staff and students marking the end of Professor Wailare’s tenure.