* “I Secured This Opportunity Without Knowing Anybody” — Beneficiary Recalls
* Our Investments in Students Are Investments in Katsina’s Future, Impact May Take Two Decades — Radda
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, said the state government’s sponsorship of medical students to Egypt is a strategic investment in the future of Katsina State, noting that the full impact of such investments may only become visible over the next 10 to 20 years.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said Governor Radda stated this when an MBBS scholarship beneficiary from Rimi Local Government Area, Alhassan Nasir, presented an innovative technology known as Diabetes Coach AI, which he developed to support people living with diabetes.
Alhassan Nasir, a student of Nahda University in Egypt who is currently on vacation in Katsina, explained that he developed the innovation during his medical studies to support people living with diabetes.
He added that the technology is expected to be introduced for use in Egypt, describing it as part of his efforts to combine medical knowledge with technology to address health challenges.
The beneficiary also recalled that he secured the Katsina State Government scholarship without knowing anybody or relying on personal connections, stressing that his selection was based on merit.
“I developed this innovation during my studies to support people living with diabetes. The technology will soon be introduced for use in Egypt.”
He expressed appreciation to the Katsina State Government for sponsoring his education, saying the opportunity enabled him to study medicine, acquire new knowledge and develop his skills.
Responding, Governor Radda expressed delight over the achievement and assured the student that the government would explore ways of supporting the innovation for possible application in Katsina State and Nigeria.
The Governor said the state deliberately made substantial investments in education because the benefits would extend beyond the present administration and serve generations to come.
“We have made a huge investment in sponsoring these students to study MBBS in Egypt. Katsina may not fully see the impact of that investment now. It may take 10 or even 20 years before we see the full results, but we are building the future of the state,” he stated.
Governor Radda said the student’s achievement demonstrated what could be accomplished when young people are given opportunities based on merit and ability rather than personal connections.
“He said he did not know anybody when he got the scholarship. Only Allah knows what will happen after he completes his studies. But I expect that when he gets there, he will also be in a position to support someone else who needs his help,” he added.
He explained that the same principle guided the establishment of the state’s smart schools, where admission is based on entrance examinations to give deserving children access to quality education regardless of their backgrounds.
“These smart schools are for children who may not know anybody. They gained admission through entrance examinations. We want to give every child an opportunity, and we must look at these children as an investment for the next two decades,” he explained.
The Governor stressed that the government’s programmes were designed to create opportunities for people who might otherwise be left behind, rather than promote personal or family interests.
“Everything I am doing is not for myself. In every programme, there is no place where I can add somebody from my house. I have the opportunity to pay for everything for my relatives, but poor people do not have that opportunity,” he stressed.
Governor Radda said his administration would continue to prioritise programmes in education, healthcare, skills development and other areas capable of creating opportunities and improving the lives of young people.
“My aim is not to build myself. My aim is to build the future generation of Katsina State,” he declared.
He added that the success of the beneficiaries would ultimately be measured not only by their individual achievements, but also by their contributions to society and their ability to create opportunities for others.
Governor Radda said his administration would continue to lay a sustainable foundation for future generations through strategic investments that may not deliver immediate political benefits but would provide lasting value to the people of Katsina State.
The event was attended by senior government officials.