Katsina Gov Reaffirms Commitment To Child Welfare, Inclusive Education

The governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child welfare, education and inclusion, declaring that every policy of his government is designed with the future of children in mind.

Radda stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, to commemorate the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration themed: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

The governor described children as the “most sacred trust” of society, stressing that his administration would continue to ensure that every child in Katsina State, regardless of background, ability or circumstance, has access to opportunities for a brighter future.

“Today belongs to our children. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are the heartbeat of today. Every policy we make, every naira we invest, and every structure we build is ultimately for them,” he said.

Radda said the appointment of Faruq Umar Lema, a young boy from Batagarawa Local Government Area, as Special Assistant on Children’s Affairs reflects the administration’s commitment to including children’s voices in governance.

The governor further disclosed that the state government established three multi-million naira Model and Smart Secondary Schools in Radda, Jikamshi and Dumurkul to provide quality education for gifted children from poor and rural communities.

According to the statement, the schools are equipped with 24-hour electricity, internet connectivity, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, as well as a fully digital learning ecosystem.

“He said the facilities boast 24-hour electricity, internet connectivity, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, and a fully digital learning ecosystem bringing technology-driven education to children who need it most,” the statement noted.

Radda revealed that 996 students would commence studies in the schools following what he described as a transparent admission process commended by European Union diplomats and international education observers.

The governor also said the administration, in partnership with the Gwagware Foundation, launched a Back-to-School Programme aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

“No child in Katsina should be roaming the streets when there is a classroom waiting for them. We are not just talking about inclusion, we are funding it, staffing it, and tracking it,” he stated.

Radda recalled the recent launch of the Katsina State Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, designed to protect students and teachers from insecurity, bullying and gender-based violence.

“We declared war on school violence because our children deserve peace in their classrooms. And we paid their examination fees because no child’s future should be held hostage by an invoice,” he added.

The governor further disclosed that the administration had paid WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examination fees for secondary school students across the state.

He also revealed that 2,000 students had been trained in bag production and other vocational skills to equip them with entrepreneurial and income-generating opportunities.

Radda called on parents, teachers, community leaders and civil society organisations to support efforts aimed at creating a safe and inclusive environment for every child in the country.

The governor’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the rising number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger investment in child protection, education and youth development.