The Jigawa State Government has formally taken over Khadija University in Majiya town, Taura Local Government Area, converting the state's first private university into a publicly owned Institution and renaming it Jigawa State University of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Majiya.

The acquisition, approved by the State Executive Council following extensive deliberations and consultations, cost the state government N11 billion. Governor Malam Umar Namadi stated that the purchase was necessary to prevent the institution from collapsing.

"People talk about why we took over a Private University. Yes, we couldn't sit idly by while someone invested their resources in the state out of dedication, only for the university to fail," Namadi stated.

Following full payment in 2025, the governor constituted a committee comprising the Commissioner for Higher Education and the Commissioner for Basic Education to develop modalities for the takeover and ensure continuity for enrolled students. A bill subsequently passed by the State House of Assembly established a legal framework for the university's funding and governance.

In early 2026, the state government announced plans to recruit 300 lecturers and other staff across eight higher education Institutions, with more than 50 percent of those postings designated for the newly acquired university. The Institution will be restructured to focus on professional and medical programmes, with the state government already establishing contacts with partner Universities, including the Federal University of Technology, Babura, and Alrazi Medical University, which operates a branch in Kano State.

Namadi assured that a competent management team would be appointed and all necessary facilities provided. "Beyond the state, we will expand our contacts and explore all available opportunities around the world. We will partner with any Institution of learning, public and private organisations, as well as individuals that have indicated interest in supporting us to build a promising and first class University in terms of academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond," the governor said.

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mahmoud U. Sani, pledged to work with the State government and all stakeholders to execute both short and long term plans for the Institution. With the acquisition, Jigawa State now operates two state owned Universities, the second being Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa.

Governor Namadi added: "We are hoping that this university will soon become a hub for producing quality and professional manpower required in building a prosperous and great Jigawa State and Nigeria."