Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has renewed his pledge to expand investment in education, youth enterprise and skills development, while urging young people to take full advantage of the numerous opportunities created to prepare them for a brighter future.
Governor Radda made the call in his message to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
He said the theme reflects the common hopes of young people across the world, regardless of their backgrounds, noting that every young person deserves access to quality education, decent jobs, innovation and opportunities to succeed.
“The theme aligns with our vision of giving every young person in Katsina the opportunity to learn, acquire skills, become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to society,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda stated that education remains at the heart of his administration’s development agenda, revealing that the state government invested over ₦6.1 billion in scholarships for 174,451 students in 2026, including beneficiaries studying outside Nigeria.
He disclosed that an additional 1,700 students had been approved for scholarships, while the government also introduced a merit-based scholarship programme for the best 50 students from each of the state’s 34 Local Government Areas.
The Governor further revealed that ₦328.1 million was disbursed under the Medical Students’ Allowance Scheme to support 650 medical students studying in 33 accredited universities. He added that scholarship backlogs from 2021 to 2026 had been fully cleared, while the government continues to sponsor students in strategic fields such as Medicine, Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology in foreign institutions.
According to him, the First Katsina State Students’ Week also provided a platform for students across the country to showcase their talents in academics, innovation, leadership and culture.
Governor Radda further announced that the state’s automatic employment policy has been expanded to include all Katsina indigenes who graduate with First Class honours from recognised higher institutions across Nigeria.
He also approved the establishment of Student Business Centres in participating institutions and directed a review of allowances for students studying nursing, health technology and other related programmes.
The Governor disclosed that three Model Smart Schools are being established in Radda, Jikamshi and Dumurkul to provide modern learning facilities and digital education, especially for children from rural and underserved communities.
On skills acquisition, Governor Radda said 1,169 young people have completed one-year training under the KASEDA/NATA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Support Programme, with beneficiaries receiving starter packs worth over ₦233 million.
He added that the programme is currently training about 3,000 young people in automobile and mechanical trades, while another 500 artisans have received training in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, tiling and painting through a partnership with Family Homes Funds Limited.
The Governor also disclosed that the State Executive Council approved resettlement packages for 1,662 graduates of the Youth Craft Village to enable them establish their own businesses.
As part of efforts to prepare young people for emerging opportunities in the green economy, Governor Radda said 74 artisans drawn from the 34 Local Government Areas have been approved for specialised training in electric vehicle prototype development.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to digital innovation, the Governor revealed that the KASEDA Digital Academy has trained 684 young people, produced 312 professional certifications, supported 64 digital projects and helped establish 19 startups and digital businesses.
He added that the ₦200 million Building Your Future Programme has provided startup support to more than 1,000 young people across the state, while the newly launched KASEDA Digital Market will help young entrepreneurs and small businesses reach wider markets through digital platforms.
Governor Radda noted that agriculture remains another major avenue for youth empowerment. He said 361 young men and women are currently undergoing training in modern farming, agro-processing and agribusiness, while another 361 beneficiaries have been approved for the second batch of the Dikko Radda Agripreneurship Training and Empowerment Scheme.
The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using sports as a platform for talent discovery, youth development and social inclusion. He disclosed that the government has approved the upgrade of Charanchi Township Stadium and the construction of FIFA-standard hybrid synthetic pitches at the Malumfashi and Funtua Township Stadiums.
He further revealed that the state government donated ₦10 million to Katsina’s para-athletes and officials following their participation in the National Para Games. According to him, an 18-year-old Katsina para-cyclist has since been invited to the national camp, while five para-footballers earned places in the national team.
Governor Radda also disclosed that two Katsina students represented Nigeria at the Football For All Leadership Programme Africa 2026 in Morocco. He added that the newly introduced Dikko Radda Green Prize will encourage students to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges while competing for cash prizes, certificates and recognition.
The Governor urged young people to remain focused, embrace education, acquire practical skills and take advantage of the opportunities provided by his administration to build successful careers and businesses.
He assured that his administration would continue to expand opportunities for young people through stronger partnerships with the private sector, educational institutions and development partners.
Governor Radda also commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, development partners and other stakeholders for their continued support towards youth development across the state.
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