By Gloria Ogine, JKNewsMedia Reporter
GOVERNOR MOHAMMED Umaru Bago of Niger State has declared a state of emergency in the Niger North Senatorial District to address the critical shortage of schools.
The announcement, made during a project tour of the district on Friday, follows growing concerns over the inadequate number of educational institutions in the region.
Bago, widely known as “the farmer governor,” highlighted the extreme educational needs in Bangi and Mariga local government areas, which are particularly underserved.
The governor believes that the declaration of a state of emergency will pave the way for urgent solutions to the region’s education crisis.
Plans include the establishment of new schools and the renovation of existing day schools, with modern equipment to be provided.
Governor Bago also addressed other pressing issues in the area, such as the shortage of potable water and ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the region.
Earlier in September, Bago had committed to allocating 50% of the state’s 2025 budget to education and healthcare, with an additional N1.8 billion earmarked for a matching grant to the Universal Basic Education Commission.
The state’s priorities reflect a strong commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructural and social challenges in the region.
