Governor Radda Flags Off N2.6bn ScholarshipS

The atmosphere at the Katsina State Scholarship Board complex was more than ceremonial. It was reflective, hopeful and, above all, purposeful.

This was as Governor Dikko Umaru Radda flagged off the N2.6 billion 2024/2025 bursary and scholarship programme. The event unfolded as a convergence of policy, conviction and personal testimonies on why education remains the strongest pillar of Katsina State’s future.

More than a routine flag-off, the ceremony became a platform where key personalities articulated a shared vision: education as a right, a tool of empowerment and a sustainable investment beyond political tenures.

In his address, Governor Radda grounded the initiative in a moral pledge made at the beginning of his administration.

“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 disclosed that over N2.6 billion has been invested in scholarships and bursaries, benefitting thousands of students within Nigeria and across the diaspora.

For him, the numbers tell only part of the story. The deeper objective, he said, is restoring hope and dignity to families who see education as their children’s only ladder out of hardship.

Governor Radda highlighted the Academic Excellence Award, introduced to reward diligence and discipline, noting with pride that several beneficiaries are now First-Class graduates already gainfully employed.

“We introduced the Academic Excellence Award to celebrate hard work. Today, many of those beneficiaries are proud First-Class graduates who are already contributing meaningfully to society.”

He also underscored the Special Needs Scholarship, describing it as a statement of fairness and compassion.

“Students with disabilities deserve dignity, opportunity and inclusion. This scholarship ensures that our educational system leaves no one behind.”

Beyond conventional education, the governor spoke on the administration’s support for Islamic learning and moral upbringing.

“Education is not only about certificates. We are supporting Islamic learning centres hosted within mosques, benefitting more than 200 students at no cost, to ensure moral and spiritual development alongside academic growth.”

One of the most strategic aspects of Governor Radda’s speech was his emphasis on international exposure. He revealed that students from all 34 local government areas are currently studying courses such as 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 Katsina State that can compete globally.”

To ensure continuity, Governor Radda announced plans to establish a Scholarship Trust Fund, designed to protect educational funding beyond his administration.

“This commitment is not tied to personalities. The Trust Fund will guarantee sustainability and ensure that future generations continue to benefit.”

He also welcomed the proposal for a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre, aligning it with the state’s digital transformation agenda.

Earlier, the executive secretary of the Katsina State Scholarship Board, Dr. Aminu Salisu-Tsauri, provided a detailed breakdown of the programme’s scope, reinforcing the governor’s policy direction with data and outcomes.

He disclosed that ₦677.57 million has been dedicated to the 2024/2025 academic session alone, while previous disbursements supported tens of thousands of students across multiple years.

“Over ₦200 million has been committed to medical and health-related courses, while more than ₦300 million has supported students studying within Nigeria and in the diaspora.”