Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education development during the combined 9th-13th convocation ceremony of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) on Saturday.
Governor Radda, who serves as the Visitor to the University, offered automatic appointments to all indigenes of Katsina State who graduated with a first-class degree from the University.
Furthermore, Governor Radda announced the approval of Five Hundred Fifty Five Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand Six Hundred and Forty Eight Naira only (N555,897,648.00) for bursary allowances to 37,799 Katsina State students studying at various institutions of higher learning across the nation. He explained that N174,293,160 is for 11,605 fresh students of the 2021/2022 academic session, while 26,194 continuing students of the 2022/2023 academic session will receive N381,914,588.
The Katsina Governor had earlier settled the outstanding scholarship allowances amounting to N648,000,000 for the 2020/2021 (fresh students) and 2021/2022 (continuing students) academic sessions.
He emphasized education as a strategic policy for his administration, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve the standard of education across the state.
These efforts include upgrading infrastructure and facilities in existing schools, building new schools, recruiting additional qualified teachers, and boosting student enrollment. Additionally, the Governor announced initiatives focused on enhancing the skills and productivity of the state’s workforce through training and retraining programs.
Governor Radda also Aligned his administration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which aims to position Katsina as both an educational vanguard and an agricultural hub.
The Governor acknowledged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its role in supporting infrastructure development at UMYU. He further highlighted the state government’s financial contributions and its support for university staff pursuing higher degrees at various institutions.
Looking ahead, Governor Radda called on the university management to explore alternative revenue generation models, aligning with successful diversification programs undertaken by other universities.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations, ensuring prompt release of funds to cover the institution’s running costs, staff training, and development initiatives.
The 9th-13th convocation ceremony saw the graduation of a total of 10,868 students across various disciplines, receiving Bachelor’s Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s Degrees, and Ph.D. degrees.
The ceremony also included the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on former Governors of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari and Sa’idu Barda, alongside Alhaji Garba Ammani and Hajiya Hassu Iro Inko.
Governor Radda further announced the appointment of Wazirin Katsina, Senator Ibrahim Ida, as the new Chancellor of the University.
Professor Salihu Muhammad, Vice-Chancellor of UMYU, expressed his appreciation for the Governor’s dedication to education. He thanked distinguished guests for their participation, congratulated the graduating class on their achievements, and emphasized the significance of the ceremony in celebrating academic excellence and fostering a brighter future through education.
**Signed:**
**Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed**
**Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor**
**25 May, 2024**
