Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has announced that his administration allocated ₦6.1 billion in scholarships for over 174,451 tertiary students, including those studying abroad. This initiative is part of efforts to boost human capital development.
Radda shared this during the 17th convocation of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where former Governor Aminu Bello Masari received an honorary doctorate. He emphasized that the state’s investments in education—covering scholarships, teacher recruitment, infrastructure upgrades, and skills programs—aim to equip youths for global competitiveness.
“Education remains the key to empowerment and sustainable growth. We are building a strong educational foundation from basic to tertiary levels,” Radda stated. The goal is to ensure students receive robust academic and moral training early on, preparing them for higher education and global challenges.
Additional efforts include hiring 7,326 teachers, training over 20,000 educators, renovating classrooms, and establishing modern schools and skills centers. The governor also highlighted the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), which focuses on youth and women’s employability through entrepreneurial training.
Radda stressed that the administration prioritizes holistic development—knowledge, skills, and character—over mere certification. At the event, he gifted three new vehicles to the top graduating student and two Qur’an memorization competition winners, underscoring Islam’s emphasis on knowledge and ethics. He praised Al-Qalam University for blending religious and modern education, noting the state’s support, including land donation and a forthcoming perimeter fence for campus security.
Earlier, the university’s Chancellor, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri, highlighted progress in research and integrated studies. Former Governor Masari urged universities to adopt innovation, emphasizing education’s role in fostering practical problem-solving skills beyond certificates.