Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has revealed that the state government has so far invested ₦6.1 billion in scholarships for 174,451 students studying in tertiary institutions within Nigeria and abroad, reaffirming his administration’s strong commitment to human capital development.
Governor Radda disclosed this at the 17th convocation ceremony of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari and Eze Abdulfatah Chimaeze Emmanuel III, Chief Imam of the Owerri Central Mosque.
According to the governor, the massive investment in education is part of a broader strategy to prepare young people academically, morally and economically for global competitiveness.
“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,” Radda said.
He explained that the state’s approach focuses on building a strong educational foundation from the primary and secondary levels to ensure students are mentally, academically and morally equipped before entering higher institutions.
Governor Radda further disclosed that his administration has recruited 7,326 teachers, trained over 20,000 others, renovated and constructed classrooms, established modern schools and skills acquisition centres, and set up the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) to empower youths and women with employable and entrepreneurial skills.
“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,” he added.
In a highlight of the ceremony, the governor announced the donation of three vehicles to the overall best graduating student and two outstanding Qur’an memorisers who emerged winners in the Musabaqatul Qur’an (Gwani and Gwana categories).
He said the gesture was meant to reward excellence and encourage youths to take both religious and Western education seriously.
Governor Radda also commended Al-Qalam University for complementing government efforts in delivering quality education and nurturing morally upright citizens, while congratulating the honorary awardees for their contributions to leadership, peace and moral development.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, Professor Nasiru Musa Yauri, said Al-Qalam University has continued to record significant progress in teaching, research and the integration of religious and modern studies. He disclosed that winners of the Musabaqatul Qur’an competition received ₦1 million each in addition to other honours.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari, urged universities to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that education must go beyond certificates to practical and problem-solving skills.
“Our youths must become creators of solutions, not just users of tools,” Masari said, while emphasizing the importance of strong moral and religious values in national development.