ABU Zaria VC Praises Governor Radda Reforms in Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for comprehensive reforms in public administration, anchored on data and digital innovation.
The Governor made this call while delivering a keynote address at the International Conference on Public Administration and Governance, organized by the Department of Public Administration, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The conference, themed “Rethinking Public Administration and Governance for Effective Service Delivery and Development,” brought together scholars, students, and policymakers from across the country.
Governor Radda, an alumnus of ABU, was warmly received by the university community. For him, it was not just an official engagement—it was a homecoming.
“I came here for three key reasons. To honour my alma mater, to support our students, and to emphasize that no government can succeed without reforming the civil service. Development cannot stand on a weak bridge—and that bridge is the administrative system.”
Governor Radda explained how public sector reform has been at the core of his administration in Katsina. From day one, he said, his government made merit the standard in appointing Permanent Secretaries.
“Every Permanent Secretary in Katsina today got there through a transparent and competitive process—not by favour, not by influence, but by proving their capacity,” the Governor emphasized.
The Governor also noted how governance in Katsina is becoming more data-driven, “We’ve introduced digital systems across ministries—tracking government income, improving healthcare, and managing land through KATGIS mapping. This is how we make government work better for the people,” he added.
To drive this transformation, Governor Radda revealed that his administration established a Special Office for Public Administration Reform, headed by a dedicated adviser. This, he explained, aligns with the federal government’s own reform efforts. “Our reforms are not isolated. We’re simply moving in the same direction as modern, forward-thinking governments across the world,” he noted.
Governor Radda also spoke about Katsina’s civic awareness campaign, Change Aqala, which aims to reshape the attitude and ethics of public servants. “There can be no real development without discipline, accountability, and service to the people. Change Aqala is about resetting values and reminding everyone that public office is a public trust,” he said.
At the core of his message, Governor Radda emphasized that reforms must go beyond policies—they must change people. He urged students and young professionals to see reform as their responsibility. “Leadership is not about title—it’s about delivery. We must shift from paper processes to real results,” he said.
Governor Radda concluded by restating his commitment to education and youth empowerment.
“I will always support ABU not just because it made me who I am, but because I believe it remains one of the leading lights of intellectual development in this country,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Vice Chancellor of ABU, Professor Adamu Ahmed, praised Governor Radda’s leadership and the reforms he is championing in Katsina State.
“Your Excellency, your use of technology in governance, your land reform efforts, and investment in people-centered development have made you a reference point in good governance,” he said.
He explained that the aim of the conference was not just to talk, but to challenge old ways and find better ones. “This is not an academic event alone—it is a national conversation about fixing the system and building one that truly works,” the Vice Chancellor added.
Governor Radda was accompanied to the event by key members of his administration, including Chief of Staff Abdulkadir Nasir Mamman, the Special Adviser on Public Administration Reform, senior officials, and members of the Katsina State Public Service Transformation Task Team.
Press Released Signed By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
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