By Bashir Bello
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged off the 2024/2025 Bursary Allowances and Award Presentation, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child in the state is denied education due to financial constraints.
Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday in Katsina, Governor Radda disclosed that his administration has invested over ₦2.6 billion in scholarships and bursary support, touching thousands of students at home and abroad.
“When we assumed office, we made a solemn pledge that financial hardship should never deprive a child of Katsina State the right to education. Today, we thank Allah that He has guided our administration to fulfil this promise with sincerity and results,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda revealed that his administration introduced the Academic Excellence Award to celebrate hard work, noting that many beneficiaries are now proud First-Class graduates with secured employment.
He disclosed that the government established the Special Needs Scholarship to uphold fairness and dignity for students with disabilities, ensuring inclusion and compassion in the state’s educational system.
“Beyond formal education, our administration is supporting Islamic learning and moral upbringing, including learning centres hosted within mosques benefitting more than 200 students without cost,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda expressed pride in the state’s global educational footprint, disclosing that sons and daughters of Katsina from all 34 Local Government Areas are currently studying Artificial Intelligence, Bioengineering and Medicine abroad through transparent, merit-based sponsorship.
“These are strategic investments in health, technology, innovation and leadership. When they return, they will strengthen our institutions, improve healthcare, enhance technology adoption and build a stronger Katsina State capable of competing globally,” he stated.
The Governor commended the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), federal lawmakers, members of the State Assembly, Local Government Chairmen, and philanthropists for partnering with the government to support students’ educational journey.
He praised the Katsina State Scholarship Board under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Aminu Salisu-Tsauri and Board Members for exceptional accountability, innovation, transparency and service excellence.
“Your prudence in resource management, welfare prioritization and strategic expansion clearly demonstrates integrity and institutional strength. I am exceptionally proud of you,” Governor Radda said.
The Governor commissioned new facilities at the Scholarship Board to strengthen operational efficiency, improve working conditions and ensure better service delivery.
He described the infrastructure upgrade as part of the administration’s broader reform to modernize public institutions across the state.
Governor Radda charged beneficiaries to work hard, remain disciplined, stay focused and excel in their studies, reminding them of their responsibility to their families, the state and their faith.
“This support is not an end; it is an opportunity. Do not waste this trust. Strive to be among those elevated through knowledge and faith,” the Governor stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining scholarships and human capacity development, disclosing that the government has significantly increased the Scholarship Board’s budget and institutional strength.
Governor Radda announced that the government is committed to establishing a Scholarship Trust Fund to guarantee sustainability beyond his administration.
He acknowledged the request for a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre within the Board premises, describing it as a well-thought idea that aligns with the state’s digital transformation agenda.
Earlier, in his address, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Scholarship Board, Dr. Aminu Salisu-Tsauri disclosed that ₦677.57 million has been dedicated to the 2024/2025 academic year, while previous disbursements supported tens of thousands of students across multiple sessions.
He revealed that over ₦200 million has benefitted medical and health students, while over ₦300 million has supported students in Nigeria and the diaspora.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the Academic Excellence Award, now in its third consecutive year, has become a symbol of meritocracy and excellence, with many beneficiaries securing automatic employment.
He announced that the Board has reintegrated out-of-school children, supporting them with uniforms, books and educational needs as part of its corporate social responsibility.
The Board honoured distinguished individuals whose generosity reinforces government efforts, including ALGON for standing as a funding partner alongside the Katsina State Government.
Other honourees include Eng. Tukur Hassan Tingilin, Eng. Abubakar Matazu, Alhaji Dahiru Usman Sarki, Alhaji Aminu Rahama, Gwagware Foundation, Lamido Foundation, federal lawmakers, State Assembly members and community leaders who individually sponsor students.
The Executive Secretary commended Governor Radda for increasing the Board’s budget from ₦500 million to ₦1 billion and now ₦9 billion in 2026, describing it as revolutionary.
He requested the establishment of a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre within the Board premises to support JAMB processes and reduce hardship students face travelling to distant centres.
The ceremony attracted Chief of Staff, Hon Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, and members of the State House of Assembly, ALGON Chairman and Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, judges, commissioners, federal lawmakers, philanthropists, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
