— Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Digital Empowerment and Statewide Digital Transformation
Centre to Secure JAMB CBT Accreditation, Boost Student Access to Exams — LG Chair
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned the Katsina Local Government Digital Learning Centre, describing the facility as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and a major milestone in the state’s drive toward digital literacy and inclusive technological development.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the Muhammad Dodo Primary School Layout, Katsina, Governor Radda said the centre—constructed and fully equipped by Katsina Local Government—reflects the importance of grassroots-driven development in preparing young people for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.
The Governor commended the Chairman of Katsina Local Government, Hon. Isah Miqdad, for initiating and completing what he described as a forward-looking project capable of delivering long-term benefits to youths and the wider society.
“The importance of this Digital Learning Centre cannot be over-emphasised. It is timely, strategic and fully aligned with the direction the world is moving” Governor Radda said.
He explained that the centre is fitted with modern ICT infrastructure designed to provide hands-on training in computer usage, ICT operations and general digital literacy, noting that the skills to be acquired would prepare beneficiaries for education, employment and productive participation in today’s technology-driven economy.
“Digital skills are no longer optional. The world has fully embraced technology, and our youths must be prepared to compete, innovate and succeed” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda noted that Katsina State has recorded measurable progress in digital literacy and ICT development, acknowledging the role of the State ICT Directorate in driving the government’s digital agenda and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to positioning Katsina as a digital-friendly, innovation-driven state.
He described the location of the centre within Katsina metropolis as strategic and accessible, adding that its proximity would enable more youths to benefit, particularly as major examinations such as JAMB and WAEC have transitioned to computer-based testing.
“To compete favourably with other states, digital preparedness is key. We must not only catch up; we must lead, and projecting that thousands of youths would benefit from the centre over time” Governor Radda concluded.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Katsina Local Government, Hon. Isah Miqdad, attributed the establishment of the Digital Learning Centre to Governor Radda’s reform-driven leadership, particularly the grant of full financial autonomy to the 34 Local Government Councils in the state, which he said marked a turning point in local governance.
“When financial autonomy was granted, it challenged us to think beyond routine administration and focus on projects that would leave lasting legacies” Miqdad said.
He explained that the centre represents the council’s commitment to legacy-focused development, noting that the project was completed within five weeks despite limited resources and is designed to promote digital literacy, creativity and employable skills among youths.
“We are already working to secure national ICT examination and JAMB CBT accreditation for this centre, which will ease the burden on students, expand access to higher education and restore dignity to local learning,” he added.
Representing the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Head of Partnership Division, Mr. Bashir Ibrahim, described the centre as a strategic investment in human capital that aligns with NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme.
“This centre goes beyond infrastructure; it is about inclusion, opportunity and equipping young people with relevant digital skills for the modern economy” Ibrahim said.
He added that the facility would strengthen digital capacity at the grassroots and support blended learning, urging proper utilisation, maintenance and sustainability to ensure long-term impact.
Those in attendance included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Hon. Aliyu Albaba; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Bashir Tanimu; the Director-General of Katsina State Directorate of ICT (KATDICT), Naufal Ahmed; and the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Partners Board (KTDMB), Dr. Mustapha Shehu, among others.
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