The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved for the state government to acquire Khadija University, one of the private universities in the state, at the coast of N11billion.
The State’s Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Sagiru Musa, revealed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the Council meeting.
He said the Council approved for the purchase of the university from its proprietor after a series of negotiations.
He noted that the State Government found it imperative to buy the existing private university in the state and convert it to a state-owned university, to expand access to higher education the teeming Jigawa youths and to produce the required manpower for sustainable growth and development of the State.
“The Council has also approved for the immediate payment of N4 billion while the remaining balance will be paid in instalments.
“A committee comprising the State Commissioner for Higher Education and Commissioner for Basic Education was established and saddled with responsibility for coming up with process of taking over the newly acquired university and the modalities needed for continued running of it without jeopardising the fate of the admitted students.
“By acquiring Khadija University in Majia town of Taura local government, the state government will now have two state-ownes universities.
“The Council has also approved for the purchase of additional 20 Combined Harvesters at the N1,247,778,728.00k, as part of the effort of the government policy on agricultural mechanisation for improving food production and job opportunities in the state,” Hon. Musa stated.