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By Tracy Moses
The Katsina State Government has expended over ₦6.1 billion on scholarship awards for more than 174,000 students in tertiary institutions, including beneficiaries studying abroad, as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen human capital development and drive long-term socio-economic growth in the state.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed this on Saturday 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.
The governor said education remains the cornerstone of his administration’s development agenda, noting that sustained investment in human capital is critical to economic growth, social stability and sustainable development.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Radda said his administration has intensified reforms in the education sector, focusing on expanded access, improved quality of teaching, moral upbringing and skills acquisition.
According to him, the massive scholarship intervention, alongside teacher recruitment, school infrastructure development and skills training programmes, is aimed at preparing young people academically, morally and economically to compete favourably in an increasingly competitive global environment.
“Our objective is to ensure that our children are properly grounded from primary and secondary school, so that when they reach higher institutions, they are mentally, academically and morally prepared to face global challenges,” the governor said.
He stressed that the state’s education policy prioritises the development of well-rounded individuals rather than mere certificate holders.
“At every stage, our focus is to equip our youths not just with certificates, but with knowledge, skills and character that will make them useful to themselves and society,” Radda added.
The governor congratulated the management of Al-Qalam University on the successful convocation and commended the institution for its effective integration of Islamic and conventional education, noting that private universities continue to complement government efforts in expanding access to quality education.
“Al-Qalam University has continued to play a vital role in nurturing responsible and morally upright citizens, thereby supporting the state’s educational objectives,” he said.
Radda recalled that the Katsina State Government donated the land on which the university is sited and recently approved the construction of a perimeter fence to enhance 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.
He also congratulated the honorary award recipients, describing Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari as a seasoned administrator, statesman and mentor, while praising Eze Abdulfatah Chimaeze Emmanuel III as a respected religious leader committed to peace, unity and moral development.
“These honours are well deserved and reflect your immense contributions to governance, faith and community development. You remain role models to our youths and society at large,” the governor 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 academic studies.
In his remarks, Masari urged universities across the country to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to the development of 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 emphasising the need to uphold strong moral and religious values.
The convocation 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.