Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has disclosed that the state government has invested over N6.1 billion in scholarship awards for no fewer than 174,451 students in tertiary institutions, including those studying abroad, as part of its long-term commitment to human capital development.
The governor made this known during the 17th Convocation Ceremony of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on former Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and His Royal Highness, Eze Abdulfatah Chimaeze Emmanuel III, the Chief Imam of Owerri Central Mosque.
According to Governor Radda, the scale of investment reflects his administration’s priority on education as a driver of growth and development. “The huge investment in scholarships, teacher recruitment, school infrastructure and skills development is aimed at preparing our youths academically, morally and economically to compete favourably in the modern world,” he said.
He described education as the most powerful instrument for empowerment and sustainable development, stressing that the government is focused on laying a solid foundation for learners from basic to tertiary levels across the state.
“Our objective is to ensure that our children are properly grounded from primary and secondary school, so that when they get to higher institutions, they are mentally, academically and morally ready to face global challenges,” the governor stated.
Governor Radda further revealed that the state government has recruited 7,326 teachers and trained over 20,000 others to strengthen teaching quality in public schools. He added that several classrooms have been renovated and constructed, modern schools established, and skills centres set up to support learning beyond the classroom.
He also highlighted the creation of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency, KASEDA, which he said is designed to equip youths and women with employable and entrepreneurial skills that can help reduce unemployment and poverty.
“At every stage, our focus is to equip our youths not only with certificates, but with knowledge, skills and character that will make them useful to themselves and society,” Governor Radda said.
At the convocation ceremony, the governor announced the donation of three brand new vehicles to reward academic and religious excellence. He said the vehicles would be presented to the overall best graduating student and two outstanding Qur’an memorizers who emerged winners in the Musabaqatul Qur’an, Gwani and Gwana categories.
“This is in recognition of their dedication and excellence, and to motivate other youths to pursue both religious and Western education with seriousness,” he stated.
Governor Radda noted that Islam places strong emphasis on knowledge and moral uprightness, adding that honouring young Qur’anic scholars encourages the blending of sound religious values with modern education for balanced personal and societal development.
He congratulated the management of Al-Qalam University on the successful convocation ceremony and commended the institution for its approach to integrating Islamic education with conventional academic studies.
“Al-Qalam University has continued to complement government efforts in providing quality education and in nurturing responsible, morally upright citizens,” the governor said.
He recalled that the Katsina State Government donated the land on which the university is located and recently approved the construction of a perimeter fence to improve security on the campus.
“Our support for Al-Qalam University has been consistent, and we will continue to partner with the institution to ensure a safe, secure and conducive learning environment,” he added.
Governor Radda also congratulated the honorary award recipients, describing Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari as a seasoned administrator, statesman and mentor, and His Royal Highness, Eze Abdulfatah Chimaeze Emmanuel III, as a respected religious leader known for promoting peace, unity and moral development.
“These honours are well deserved and reflect your immense contributions to governance, faith and community development. You are role models to our youths and to society at large,” he said.
Earlier, the Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri, said the institution has continued to record steady progress in teaching, research and the integration of religious and modern studies. He disclosed that winners of the Musabaqatul Qur’an, Gwani and Gwana categories, received a cash prize of One Million Naira each, in addition to other honours.
Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari urged universities to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that education must go beyond certificate acquisition to practical and problem-solving skills. “Technology is key to development in agriculture, security, healthcare and service delivery. Our youths must become creators of solutions, not just users of tools,” he said, while emphasizing the need to uphold strong moral and religious values.
The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar; the Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura; members of the State Executive Council, as well as vice chancellors, traditional rulers, security chiefs, academics, students and parents.
