January 24, 2026
The Katsina State Government has invested more than N6.1 billion in scholarship awards for 174,451 students in tertiary institutions, including those studying overseas, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has said.
Governor Radda disclosed this at the 17th convocation ceremony of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on a former Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and His Royal Highness, Eze Abdulfatah Chimaeze Emmanuel III, Chief Imam of the Owerri Central Mosque.
According to the governor, the investment in scholarships forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen human capital development through education, teacher recruitment, infrastructure improvement and skills acquisition.
He described education as a critical tool for empowerment and sustainable development, noting that his administration is focused on building a strong foundation for learners from basic to tertiary levels.
“Our objective is to ensure that children are properly grounded from primary and secondary school so that when they reach higher institutions, they are academically, mentally and morally prepared to face global challenges,” Radda said.
The governor said the state has recruited 7,326 teachers, trained more than 20,000 others, renovated and constructed classrooms, established modern schools and skills centres, and set up the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) to equip youths and women with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
He added that the goal is to produce graduates with not only certificates but also relevant skills, sound character and values that make them productive members of society.
At the ceremony, Governor Radda announced the donation of three brand-new vehicles to the overall best graduating student and two outstanding Qur’an memorizers who emerged winners in the Musabaqatul Qur’an (Gwani and Gwana categories).
He said the gesture was aimed at recognising excellence and encouraging young people to pursue both religious and Western education.
The governor also commended the management of Al-Qalam University for integrating Islamic and conventional education, describing the institution as a key partner in the state’s education drive.
He recalled that the state government donated the land on which the university is located and recently approved the construction of a perimeter fence to enhance campus security.
Radda congratulated the honorary awardees, describing Masari as a seasoned administrator and statesman, and Eze Emmanuel III as a respected religious leader known for promoting peace, unity and moral development.
Prof. Nasiru Musa Yauri
Earlier, the Chancellor of Al-Qalam University, Prof. Nasiru Musa Yauri, said the institution had recorded significant progress in teaching, research and the integration of religious and modern studies. He disclosed that the winners of the Musabaqatul Qur’an were each awarded N1 million in cash prizes, in addition to other honours.
Former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari
In his remarks, Masari urged universities to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that education should go beyond certificate acquisition to problem-solving and practical skills development. He also emphasised the importance of strong moral and religious values.
The event 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; senior government officials, traditional rulers, academics, students and parents.
