Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Uba Sani has embarked on a journey to reshape Kaduna state, focusing on pivotal sectors like education, health, and agriculture. His administration has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development, improving the quality of life for residents, and positioning the state as a model of progress in northern Nigeria.
Education: Building foundations for the future
Recognising education as the cornerstone of societal development, Governor Sani has prioritised reforms to address the state’s educational challenges. One of the most significant achievements is the substantial reduction in the number of out-of-school children. Within the first year of his tenure, the state decreased its out-of-school population from 680,000 to over 300,000, marking a 44% improvement in school enrollment rates.
To accommodate the growing number of students, the administration has constructed 62 new secondary schools and 2,326 classrooms in existing primary schools, directly benefiting over 93,000 pupils. These efforts are complemented by the provision of 30,742 two-seater desks and the installation of 918 VIP toilets and 51 hand-pump boreholes across various schools, ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Furthering its commitment to education, the government has recruited 2,000 qualified teachers and is in the process of deploying them to newly established schools. Additionally, plans are underway to construct 50 more secondary schools, aiming to enroll over 100,000 students and further reduce the educational deficit. What is more, the governor has also reduced school fees of state-owned tertiary institutions by 40% to facilitate access to higher education by all students.
In a bid to enhance skills acquisition, the administration is developing three Vocational and Technological Skills Acquisition Cities, expected to graduate at least 12,000 youths annually. These centers will equip young individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in various industries, thereby addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth.
Health: Revitalising healthcare delivery
Governor Sani’s administration has allocated 15% of the state’s annual budget to the health sector, underscoring its commitment to improving healthcare services. This substantial investment has facilitated the rehabilitation and upgrading of 13 general hospitals across the three senatorial zones, including facilities in Gwantu, Rigasa, Maigana, Sanga, Igabi, Soba, Kafanchan, Giwa, Ikara, Sabon Tasha, Saminaka, and Kachia.
A notable milestone in the state’s healthcare infrastructure is the commissioning of the remodeled and fully equipped Dabo Lere Memorial Hospital in November 2024. Additionally, the administration is working tirelessly to complete the ultra-modern Specialist Hospital at Millennium City, Kaduna, which is expected to provide specialised medical services to residents.
To further enhance healthcare accessibility, the government is rehabilitating 200 primary health centres across all 23 local government areas. This initiative aims to reduce overcrowding in urban health facilities and ensure that rural communities receive adequate medical attention
Agriculture: Empowering farmers, boosting productivity
Agriculture remains a vital sector in Kaduna state’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP. Governor Sani’s administration has implemented several initiatives to revitalise this sector and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
In what is considered the largest free fertilizer distribution in the state’s history, the government distributed 240,000 bags of fertiliser to 120,000 smallholder farmers across all 23 local government areas. This initiative, part of the “Get Back to Farm” programme, also provided high-quality seeds, agrochemicals, and farming equipment to 41,693 farmers and cooperatives.
To support mechanised farming, the administration procured 12 heavy-duty tractors capable of handling large-scale commercial farming operations. This move marks the first significant investment in agricultural mechanisation since 2010, aiming to enhance productivity and reduce the labour intensity of farming activities.
Recognising the importance of women in agriculture, the government has specifically targeted female farmers in its empowerment programmes. Through the Sustainable Livelihoods Through Social Interventions and Economic Empowerment initiative, the administration has provided support to thousands of women, enhancing their capacity to contribute to the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the state is addressing post-harvest losses by revitalising processing plants, such as the Tomato Processing Plant in Ikara, and establishing new ventures like a $50 million soybean oil refining plant in Kutungare, Igabi local government area. These initiatives aim to add value to agricultural produce, create jobs, and boost the state’s economy.
In addition to crop production, the administration in collaboration with the federal government is modernising livestock farming through the National Livestock Transformation Plan. The 30-hectare Ladduga Grazing Reserve in Kachia local government area serves as a pilot ranch, promoting sustainable livestock practices and improving the livelihoods of pastoralists.
Governor Uba Sani’s two-year tenure has been marked by transformative initiatives in education, health, and agriculture. His administration’s focus on sectoral reforms has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth in Kaduna state. As the state continues to progress under his leadership, the commitment to inclusive development and the well-being of its citizens remains steadfast, promising a brighter future for all.
…Badugu is an APC stakeholder in Kafanchan, Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state