Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has said his administration has so far invested more than N6 billion in scholarship awards to no fewer than 174,451 students in tertiary institutions within and outside the country.

Radda, who made this known over the weekend at the 17th Convocation Ceremony of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, said the investment is part of his government’s strategic commitment to human capital development.

He said the huge investment in scholarships, as well as teacher recruitment, school infrastructure, and skills development under his watch, is aimed at preparing youths academically, morally, and economically to compete favourably in the modern world.

He described education as the most powerful instrument for empowerment and sustainable development, adding that his administration is focused on laying a solid foundation for learners from basic to tertiary levels.

“Our objective is to ensure that our children are properly grounded from primary and secondary school, so that when they get to higher institutions, they are mentally, academically, and morally ready to face global challenges,” he said.

He revealed that the state government has recruited 7,326 teachers, trained over 20,000 others, renovated and constructed classrooms, established modern schools, and set up skills centres, as well as the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), to equip youths and women with employable and entrepreneurial skills.

According to him, “At every stage, our focus is to equip our youths not only with certificates, but with knowledge, skills, and character that will make them useful to themselves and society.”

Radda also announced the donation of three brand-new vehicles to the overall best graduating student and two outstanding Qur’an memorizers who emerged winners in the Musabaqatul Qur’an (Gwani and Gwana categories) during the convocation ceremony.

He said the gesture is in recognition of their dedication and excellence, and to motivate other youths to pursue both religious and Western education with seriousness.

He added that Islam places great value on knowledge and moral uprightness, and that honouring young Qur’anic scholars encourages the blending of sound religious values with modern education for balanced development.

Governor Radda congratulated the management of Al-Qalam University on the successful convocation and commended the institution for its effective integration of Islamic and conventional education.

“Al-Qalam University has continued to complement government efforts in providing quality education and in nurturing responsible, morally upright citizens,” he said.

He recalled that the state government donated the land on which the university is sited and recently approved the construction of a perimeter fence to enhance security on the campus.

“Our support for Al-Qalam University has been consistent, and we will continue to partner with the institution to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment,” the Governor added.

During the convocation ceremony, Honorary Doctorate Degrees were conferred on the former Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, and His Royal Highness, Eze Abdulfatah Chimaeze Emmanuel III, the Chief Imam of Owerri Central Mosque.

While congratulating the two men, Radda said the honours were well-deserving as they reflect their immense contributions to governance, faith, and community development, and for being role models to the youths.

Speaking, Aminu Bello Masari urged universities to embrace technology and innovation, adding that education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to the development of practical and problem-solving skills.

“Technology is key to development in agriculture, security, healthcare, and service delivery.

Our youths must become creators of solutions, not just users of tools,” he said, adding that strong moral and religious values must also be upheld.