* Our government Clears 2021–2026 Scholarship Backlogs — Governor Discloses
Katsina State Governor, Mal Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced a significant expansion of the state’s automatic employment policy, extending job opportunities to all Katsina State first-class graduates across higher institutions nationwide.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said the announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the First Katsina State Students’ Week, Organized by the Katsina State Government through the Office of the Special Assistant on Student Matters, held at Bayero University, Kano.
Governor Radda explained that the policy, which was previously limited to first-class graduates from institutions within Katsina State, now applies to all Katsina indigenes irrespective of their institution of study across the country.
“I am pleased to announce the expansion of our employment initiative. Previously, automatic job opportunities were offered to first-class graduates within the state. Today, I extend this to all first-class graduates from Katsina State across institutions nationwide,” he said.
He noted that the initiative is designed to strengthen the state civil service and build a highly skilled, competitive workforce capable of delivering efficient public services.
“This is a deliberate effort to build a highly competent and competitive civil service that can rival any in the country, even at the federal level,” he added.
Governor Radda expressed satisfaction with the performance of Katsina students, describing their participation in the Students’ Week as a demonstration of discipline, creativity, and academic excellence.
He commended stakeholders and development partners in the education sector for their continuous contributions to reforms and policy implementation in the state.
According to him, the government’s education reforms are driven by long-term planning to address rising student enrollment and infrastructure pressure across schools.
He further observed that increasing student populations continue to strain available facilities, necessitating continuous expansion of educational infrastructure across the state.
He recalled that 21 years ago, when he served as Local Government Chairman, school infrastructure in his area was significantly expanded—from six classrooms to 36.
“Despite this expansion, the school still operates in shifts due to the continued and growing demand for access to education”, He noted.
Education, he reaffirmed, remains a top priority of his administration, receiving one of the highest budgetary allocations in Katsina State.
The Governor disclosed that over 10,000 teachers have been recruited on merit, alongside the construction of more than 100 new secondary schools across the state.
“We believe that meaningful development can only be achieved through education. That is why we have made it our topmost priority and invested heavily in both human and infrastructural capacity,” he said.
He further noted that the education sector carries a heavy burden due to years of infrastructural decay, with the state currently operating over 3,000 primary schools and nearly 600 secondary schools.
According to him, the teaching workforce remains the largest segment of the state civil service.
The Governor also highlighted the introduction of a modern smart school model aimed at providing world-class education opportunities, especially for talented students from rural communities, with admission strictly based on merit.
On youth innovation, Governor Radda encouraged young people to convert ideas into viable businesses and directed the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency to support entrepreneurship and job creation initiatives.
On requests raised during the programme, the Governor directed the Secretary to the State Government to approve a waiver for the Special Assistant on Student Matters to be represented in the State Executive Council.
He also approved the establishment of Student Business Centres in institutions hosting such programmes to promote entrepreneurship among students.
On student welfare, he assured that his administration is reviewing allowances for students in nursing and health-related institutions and has directed relevant agencies to address existing gaps.
“I have directed the Scholarship Board, Ministry of Health, and the Head of Service to take immediate action on the concerns raised, particularly regarding allowances for nursing and health technology students,” he said.
Governor Radda further disclosed that scholarship payments for 2021, 2022, 2023, and subsequent years up to 2026 have been fully cleared and sustained.
He added that Katsina State is currently sponsoring students abroad in fields such as Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, and Biotechnology in countries including Egypt and china, covering tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses.
He reiterated that government policies are designed to support students from less privileged backgrounds to ensure that no talent is left behind.
“These children may not have the same opportunities, but many of them are highly talented and capable. It is our responsibility to support them so they can contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
On civic responsibility, the Governor urged students to contribute positively to national development and avoid spreading negative narratives about Nigeria.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. Whatever we say or do about our country ultimately affects us. We must all play our part in building a better society,” he stressed.
He also cautioned against misuse of social media, urging students to promote unity and responsible engagement online.
Governor Radda noted that leadership is temporary, emphasizing the importance of continuity in development efforts.
“Katsina State will remain for generations to come. Therefore, everyone must contribute positively to its development, regardless of who is in leadership,” he noted.
Earlier, Special Assistant on Students’ Matters, Comr. Nuhu Nagaske, commended Governor Radda’s commitment to student welfare and education, noting that his policies have improved opportunities for Katsina students and strengthened unity and academic excellence.
He described the Students’ Week as a timely initiative that has strengthened unity, academic excellence, and engagement among students.
The First Katsina State Students’ Week featured academic, cultural, and innovation-driven activities aimed at promoting unity, creativity, and intellectual engagement among students.
Attendees included the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, ably represented by the member representing Katsina Local Government, Hon. Aliyu Albaba; the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari; the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale; members of the State Executive Council; and the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa, among others.
