UK, UNICEF hand over climate-resilient schools, health centres to Jigawa govt

By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse

The United Kingdom Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in partnership with UNICEF, has handed over climate-resilient infrastructure to the Jigawa State Government to strengthen basic services against the impacts of climate change.

The handover ceremony, held on Monday, 8 September 2025, at Chamo Primary School and Chamo Primary Health Care Centre in Dutse Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Governor Malam Umar Namadi commended the initiative, noting its importance for the future of education and healthcare delivery in the state.

“We appreciate the concern of FCDO-UNICEF for the development of Jigawa State and Nigeria at large, particularly in health and education. We assure sustainability for every project done by our development partners for the betterment of our citizens,” he said.

Mrs Cynthia Rowe, Development Director of FCDO, explained that the CRIBS project, funded by the UK Government, aims to establish a scalable model for assessing climate risks and vulnerabilities of primary healthcare facilities and schools.

She stressed that the interventions implemented will make these facilities more resilient to climate shocks.

In her remarks, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, said the project developed a novel tool for evaluating climate risks and applying evidence-based solutions.

“The CRIBS project rehabilitated facilities with climate-resilient solutions, including flood-resistant foundations, stormwater management, and natural ventilation,” she noted.

The initiative rehabilitated 54 facilities across 15 Local Government Areas in Kano and Jigawa States.

The facilities were officially handed over to Governor Namadi by delegates from UNICEF, FCDO, and other stakeholders.

Saeed emphasised that the project also introduced a sustainable operation and maintenance mechanism to ensure long-term benefits.