By Muhammad Abubakar Tahir
Stakeholders have called on the Jigawa State Government to review its policy of granting automatic employment only to university graduates who bag First Class degrees, urging that the initiative be extended to those with Second Class Upper (2.1) qualifications.
The appeal comes amid growing discussions on the inclusivity of the programme, which has been praised for encouraging academic excellence among students in the state.
Under the current policy, the Jigawa State Government offers automatic employment to indigenes who graduate with First Class honours from recognized universities. The initiative, introduced to reward hard work and promote education, has benefited several outstanding graduates over the years.
However, observers argue that graduates with Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) between 4.0 and 4.49; classified as Second Class Upper =, also deserve recognition, as they have demonstrated high levels of competence and diligence, particularly in science and technical disciplines where earning a First Class is more demanding.
Education analysts note that internationally, Second Class Upper graduates are widely considered strong performers, often meeting the minimum CGPA requirements for postgraduate scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth, which typically accept candidates with a CGPA from 3.5 upward.
They suggest that expanding Jigawa’s employment policy to include such graduates would promote fairness and maximize the state’s human resource potential.
A similar approach has been adopted in neighbouring Kano State, where the government recently launched a domestic scholarship scheme that accommodates Second Class Upper holders, with many beneficiaries reportedly from low-income backgrounds.
Supporters of the proposed review have therefore called on Governor Umar Namadi to consider a more inclusive model that rewards skill, creativity, and innovation beyond grade classifications.
They argue that such a move would not only strengthen public confidence in his administration but also align with his reputation for compassionate and responsive leadership.
Observers believe that extending opportunities to 2.1 graduates could further boost youth empowerment and reduce unemployment, while positioning Jigawa as a model for inclusive educational policies in the region.
