Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has described Dikko College as a heritage and strategic asset in the state’s educational and leadership development journey.
The Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe spoke on Saturday at the Dikko College Old Boys Association’s Centenary Celebration (1925-2025) in Katsina.
Deputy Governor Lawal commended the institution for producing distinguished leaders in public service, education, medicine, engineering, security services, business and community leadership over the past 100 years.
“Wherever you find Katsina doing well, you will find the imprint of a Dikko College Old Student,” the Deputy Governor stated.
He disclosed that the Radda administration has invested over ₦100 billion in the education sector from inception to date, reflecting the government’s commitment to transforming the sector.
“We firmly believe that no society can rise above the quality of its education,” Jobe said.
The Deputy Governor revealed that 152 new schools have been constructed across the state under AGILE phases 1 and 2, including three special schools—one in each senatorial zone—while old schools are being rehabilitated.
He announced that the government has recruited 7,325 teachers and is conducting ongoing training and retraining programmes in the sector.
Malam Jobe disclosed that three Teachers Training Centres will be established soon, with one in each zone, adding that the Governor recently approved rural teachers’ allowance as an incentive for teachers posted to rural areas.
He revealed that 20,000 teachers have been given tablets and trained digitally as part of the administration’s digital and skills-based education reforms.
The Deputy Governor also announced that the government has upgraded the Department of Vocational and Technical Education to a full-fledged Ministry of Higher, Vocational and Technical Education, reflecting the importance attached to the programme.
Malam Jobe commended the Old Students’ Association for their continued loyalty, unity and selfless support to their alma mater through mentorship, scholarships, infrastructure support and policy advocacy.
“Your contributions are not only strengthening this school but are supporting the educational development of Katsina State as a whole,” he stated.
He encouraged the old students to continue supporting the school morally, intellectually and materially, mentor current students as future leaders, and partner with government in shaping the next generation.
The Deputy Governor praised Dikko College for instilling integrity, discipline, commitment to public good, respect for tradition and values, and courage to serve in difficult times among its graduates.
“The College has never been about certificates alone. It has always been about character, discipline, patriotism, resilience and service,” Hon. Lawal said.
Earlier, the President of the Dikko College Old Boys’ Association, Alhaji Aliyu Balarabe Saulawa—represented by the association’s secretary, Aliyu Habibu Dutsinma—traced the institution’s history to its founding in 1925 as Kofar Sauri School.
He outlined its evolution through various phases and names: Provincial Secondary School in 1952, Government Secondary School Katsina in 1967, Government College in 1978, Government Pilot Secondary School Katsina in 2000, before its eventual renaming as Dikko College by the Katsina State Government.
Saulawa highlighted key achievements of the alumni body, including the formal change of the school’s name, establishment of a national secretariat, reconstruction of dilapidated buildings, construction of a perimeter fence, and delivery of landmark projects such as facilities for the Central Bank of Nigeria, Civil Defence and a fire service station built by distinguished old students.
He paid tribute to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR—the Grand Patron of the College—for his financial and advisory support, which he said was instrumental to the successes recorded.
Delivering the centenary lecture, Dr. Ibrahim Ida, the Waziri of Katsina and an alumnus (1963–1967), reflected on his formative years at the school, describing the anniversary as a “golden milestone” symbolising a century of purpose, progress and pride.
He noted that Dikko College played a decisive role in shaping character, leadership values and lifelong bonds among its alumni, describing it as a “prestigious old school” deserving of sustained honour and protection.
In his remarks, the Emir of Katsina underscored the importance of unity and collective responsibility, calling on all stakeholders to work together to rehabilitate and elevate the college. He recalled making similar appeals during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, which, he said, were yet to be fully realised.
The event also featured the conferment of honorary awards on distinguished jurists and national figures, including former President Court of Appeal Justice Umaru Abdullahi, Dr. Umar Mutallab, Senator Ibrahim Ida, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Alhaji Mahe Rashid, as well as traditional rulers and former governors of the defunct Kaduna State and Katsina State.
The centenary celebration attracted government officials, traditional rulers, education stakeholders, old students and school management.
About The Author
