Opinion

Human Capital Development: Lessons Nasarawa Can Learn from Kano and Yobe States

By Murtala Adogi Mohammed PhD 

One of the greatest assets any state can develop is its people. Policies, infrastructure, and budgets mean little without capable hands to translate them into results. 

Building human capital—especially at the highest levels of expertise—requires deliberate effort and a long-term vision.

Kano and Yobe States offer two inspiring examples. 

Kano State – Leadership Mentoring in Action (The Kwanwasiyya Scholars Model)  Former Governor Kwankwaso made a strategic decision to sponsor bright minds through their PhDs on state scholarships. 

Years later, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf appointed these same individuals as Directors-General and Commissioners. Today, they are delivering results—proof that investing in people pays long-term dividends.

Yobe State – Bold Youth Inclusion Against All Odds. 

Governor Mai Mala Buni took a daring step—against the norm of appointing only older, well-known political figures—by bringing in young PhD holders as part of a (Young Appointees Model initiative) These fresh, highly qualified leaders are making a huge impact and driving reforms with energy, innovation, and expertise.

Nasarawa State – The Missed Opportunity
Since 1999, no Governor in Nasarawa has considered selecting one person from each LGA—just 13 in total—for PhD state scholarships with a clear plan for them to return and help build the state. This is a low-cost, high-return strategy that can transform governance capacity over time.

If we are serious about delivering reforms and results, we must recognize that human capital is the true engine of progress. 

States that deliberately identify, train, and empower their brightest minds will lead the future—those that don’t will keep playing catch-up.

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