Radda Gives ₦100,000 To Best Graduates At Umyu Convocation

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved a ₦100,000 cash award for best graduating students across all departments of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, as part of measures to reward academic excellence and motivate students to strive for higher standards.

The Governor made the announcement at the 14th convocation ceremony of the university, where he was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration.

Speaking at the event, Governor Radda said the cash awards are aimed at encouraging hard work, merit, and excellence among students, noting that education remains central to his administration’s human capital development agenda.

In addition to the ₦100,000 departmental awards, Governor Radda announced automatic employment for the overall best graduating students upon completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He directed the Head of Service to identify and process the beneficiaries accordingly.

To further recognize exceptional performance, the Governor disclosed that the overall best graduand will receive a brand-new vehicle.

“I accept this honour with humility and a renewed sense of responsibility to serve the people of Katsina State with dedication and integrity,” Governor Radda said, describing the recognition by UMYU as a call to greater service.

He urged the graduands to uphold integrity, innovate with purpose, and use their knowledge to address societal challenges, while serving as worthy ambassadors of the university and Katsina State.

Governor Radda also revealed that his administration has released funds for programme accreditation to meet national and international standards and approved a salary increment for both academic and non-academic staff of the university, in appreciation of their dedication and commitment.

Earlier, the Chancellor of the University, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida (Wazirin Katsina), described the convocation as a celebration of academic achievement and family support, while praising the university’s progress in programme expansion and research development.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika, commended Governor Radda’s leadership and reaffirmed the Council’s resolve to expand access to education, strengthen research, and reposition the university for global competitiveness.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Salihu Muhammad, noted that UMYU has grown from about 1,000 to over 20,000 students, now offering 117 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with all programmes fully accredited.

Prof. Muhammad congratulated the 2,682 graduands, including 31 First Class graduates, and praised the Governor for prompt staff salary payments and sustained support to the institution.

The convocation ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, academics, and other dignitaries from within and outside Katsina State.