In a major push to strengthen food security and modernise agriculture through research and innovation, the Jigawa State Government has launched Nigeria’s first-ever Wheat Value Chain Research Program, alongside the award of research grants to ten postgraduate scholars.
The program was formally unveiled on Wednesday at the Council Chambers of the Government House, Dutse, where Governor Malam Umar Namadi presided over the grant award ceremony. The beneficiaries include four PhD. and six MSc candidates selected through a competitive, merit-based process.
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Jigawa State, Nigeria’s leading wheat producer, initiated the program following a statewide call for research proposals aimed at addressing key gaps across the wheat value chain. According to Governor Namadi, the initiative represents a strategic investment in evidence-based policymaking, innovation, and human capital development.
“This initiative is timely and critical, especially in the face of global food supply challenges and the growing demand for food security,” the governor said. “The research outcomes will complement our ongoing efforts to expand wheat production and strengthen agribusiness in Jigawa State.”
He congratulated the scholars, describing them as capable partners in the state’s agricultural transformation agenda, and assured them that the government is committed to implementing actionable recommendations from their research.
Governor Namadi also commended the selection committee for conducting what he described as a transparent and rigorous process, noting that the caliber of the selected scholars reflects the seriousness of the program. He expressed appreciation to the Committee on the Wheat Value Chain Development Program and the Jigawa Research Institute for their collaboration.
Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Professor Usman Haruna, explained that the programme was designed in response to the central role agriculture plays in Jigawa State, where about 80 percent of the population depends on farming and related activities.
He noted that despite wheat’s strong potential for income generation and food security, production has been limited by inadequate research capacity, shortage of improved and locally adapted seed varieties, and insufficient scientific manpower.
Out of 36 applications received, 17 candidates met the criteria and were interviewed, with 10 eventually selected. The scholars will conduct research in critical areas such as wheat seed development suited to Jigawa’s climate, productivity enhancement, irrigation efficiency, and value addition.
Professor Haruna added that strengthening research capacity in wheat production will not only boost Jigawa’s output but also contribute significantly to meeting Nigeria’s national wheat demand, with positive spill-over effects on crops like rice and sorghum.
The programme will be implemented in partnership with leading universities and research institutions, including Federal University Dutse, Sule Lamido University Kafin-Hausa, Bayero University Kano, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Zaria, and the Lake Chad Research Institute.
With this initiative, Jigawa State reinforces its position as a leader in agricultural innovation, using research-driven solutions to enhance productivity, empower farmers, and secure sustainable food systems.
