January 29, 2026
By Editor
As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize agriculture through research, innovation, and human capital development, the Jigawa State Government has officially launched a Wheat Value Chain Research Programmeโthe first of its kind in Nigeriaโand awarded research grants to ten postgraduate scholars, including four PhD and six MSc candidates.
The grant award ceremony, held at the Council Chambers of the Government House in Dutse, was presided over by Governor Malam Umar Namadi.
Jigawa State is Nigeria’s leading wheat producer, and this initiative follows a statewide call for research proposals and a rigorous, merit-based selection process.
In a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Muhammad Gumel, the Governor Namadi described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at supporting innovation and evidence-based policymaking in agriculture. He emphasized the timeliness and importance of the initiative in light of global developments and the increasing need for food security.
The governor congratulated the beneficiaries on their selection, highlighting that their research will build on existing efforts to enhance wheat production and strengthen agribusiness in Jigawa State. He encouraged them to remain committed and disciplined in their research efforts.
He also praised the selection committee for conducting a fair and transparent process, noting that the caliber of selected scholars reflects the programme’s seriousness. The governor assured beneficiaries that the state government is prepared to implement the outcomes of their research, aiming to deliver practical solutions that will benefit farmers and support the broader agricultural development agenda.
Earlier, Professor Usman Haruna, Chairman of the Committee on Wheat Value Chain Development Programme, explained that the initiative was inspired by the significant role of agriculture in Jigawa State, where approximately 80 percent of the population relies on farming and related activities for their livelihoods.
He identified wheat as a strategic crop with great potential for income generation and food security, although production has been hampered by limited research capacity, inadequate locally adapted seed varieties, and insufficient scientific support.
Professor Haruna shared that 36 applications were received in response to the call for proposals, with 17 candidates meeting the criteria and invited for interviews. The committee designed a robust and transparent interview process, resulting in the successful selection of 10 candidates for the scholarships to conduct research on wheat value chain development.
The selected scholars will focus on critical areas such as seed development adapted to Jigawaโs climatic conditions, productivity enhancement, and value addition. Strengthening research capacity in wheat production is expected to improve output and contribute to national wheat demand.
This initiative will positively impact not only wheat production but also other crops like rice and sorghum, for which Jigawa State is well-known. The government continues to support value chain development across various crops, including rice, sesame, and wheat.
With these young researchers in place, there is confidence that viable wheat seed varieties adapted to Jigawaโs climate will be developed, enhancing productivity, boosting farmersโ yields, and ultimately increasing the stateโs contribution to the national wheat supply.
The research areas include Wheat Seeds Development Research, Wheat Value Chain Studies, and Wheat Irrigation Efficiencies, implemented in partnership with leading research institutions and universities such as Federal University Dutse, Sule Lamido University in Kafin-Hausa, Bayero University Kano, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) in Zaria, and the Lake Chad Research Institute.
