Sham’unu Ishaq, a First Class graduate of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University (UMYU), who sold sachet water to support his family, has been offered immediate employment by the Katsina State Government.

Isaq, who graduated with First Class honors in B.Sc (Ed.) Education/Biology during the 2021/2022 academic session, had been unable to secure employment after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Taraba State.

He resorted to selling a sachet of water to take if his financial needs as well as that of his family members.

A viral video of him selling the commodity in the streets led the state governor, Dr Dikko Radda to offer him immediate employment.

Spokesperson to the governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, said upon learning of Ishaq’s situation, Governor Radda promptly directed his Special Assistant on Students Matters, Muhammad Nagaske, to verify the authenticity of the viral video.

“Subsequent investigation confirmed that Sham’unu Ishaq indeed graduated with First Class honors in B.Sc (Ed.) Education/Biology during the 2021/2022 academic session, as verified by the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor,” Mohammed said.

“Ishaq, who completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Taraba State, had resorted to selling pure water to meet personal and family obligations.”

He quoted the governor to have said that, “Academic excellence should be rewarded, not relegated to the streets,” while issuing directives for Ishaq’s immediate employment through the Head of Service.

He also quoted the governor to have added that his administration “remains committed to identifying and supporting exceptional talents who can contribute to our state’s development.

“This latest intervention aligns with Governor Radda’s consistent drive to reward academic excellence and promote quality education in Katsina State.

“Just last month, on October 12, 2024, the governor demonstrated this commitment by offering automatic employment to nine outstanding graduates of Isah Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma.

“Additionally, the governor offered another direct employment to nine First Class Graduates from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University during the 9th – 13th combined convocation held on the 26th May, 2024.

“Our administration recognizes that the future of Katsina State lies in harnessing the potential of our brightest minds,” Governor Radda emphasized.

“We will continue to create opportunities that enable our youth to utilize their skills and knowledge for the betterment of our society.”

He said the governor’s swift action not only addresses an immediate social concern but also sends a strong message about his administration’s dedication to youth empowerment and educational development.

“This gesture reinforces the government’s policy of identifying and supporting academic excellence while ensuring that no talented youth in Katsina State is left behind,” he said.