Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, has emerged as one of the standout leaders to be honoured at the forthcoming Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards 2025, holding on October 9–10 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Governor Namadi is being recognised with the Federal Government’s GovTech Public Service Award for his groundbreaking reforms and consistent push to digitise governance, modernise service delivery, and prepare Jigawa’s youth for the digital economy.

Since assuming office, the governor has championed ICT as a driver of socio-economic growth, establishing the Jigawa State ICT & Digital Economy Agency as a central hub for innovation and digital policy.

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Through this institution, Jigawa has rolled out forward-looking initiatives that place the state at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

A major highlight of his administration is the training of nearly 30,000 teachers in digital literacy, a deliberate investment in education designed to empower the next generation with 21st-century skills.

In addition, his flagship JIGAWA COMPETE Initiative has introduced tools such as the Educational Management Information System (EMIS) software, which captures real-time data on schools, teachers, students, and infrastructure — a game-changer for evidence-based planning.

Governor Namadi has also pushed Jigawa into the global tech conversation by partnering with Gluwa and the Office of the Vice President to launch a Blockchain & AI Training Program.

The scheme has equipped hundreds of Jigawa youths with skills in blockchain fundamentals, AI data annotation, and digital marketing, giving them opportunities to compete in the fast-growing Web3 and AI markets.

Beyond education and youth empowerment, his administration has embraced e-governance and data-driven strategies to strengthen service delivery in critical sectors such as health, agriculture and finance.

These reforms reflect a clear commitment to digital transformation, transparency, and efficient governance

The recognition comes as part of the third edition of the Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR).

This year’s theme, “Redefining Possibilities: Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Public Service Delivery and Socio-Economic Development,” aligns perfectly with the Namadi administration’s vision of a digital-first Jigawa.

Governor Namadi will receive the award alongside other distinguished leaders, including Governors Alex Otti (Abia), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), as well as several federal ministers and heads of key government agencies.

For Jigawa State, the honour is both a national endorsement of Namadi’s digital governance model and a clear signal that the state is charting a bold path into Nigeria’s tech-enabled future.