By Abdullahi InuwaÂ
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has charged students of the state to remain focused on their education, build meaningful networks and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills required to assume leadership positions in the future.
Radda gave the charge at the grand finale and prize presentation of the maiden Katsina State Students’ Week, Kaduna Centre, held at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Addressing hundreds of students, academics and other stakeholders, the governor described the seven-day programme as more than a social gathering, saying it was designed to prepare young people for leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and personal development.
He urged the students to maximise opportunities available to them and learn from successful leaders who had passed through similar stages before attaining positions of responsibility.
According to him, the future of Katsina State rests largely on the shoulders of its young people, making education and character development essential to the state’s long-term progress.
Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, stressing that the sector continues to receive the largest share of the state’s budget because of its importance to human capital development.
He also encouraged eligible students to take advantage of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, describing it as an opportunity capable of helping young people from less privileged backgrounds pursue their educational ambitions.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Professor Adamu Ahmed, described the Students’ Week as a visionary initiative capable of shaping the future of Katsina youths.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Katsina State Government for its support to the university, noting that the administration’s vision for students could have far-reaching implications for the development of the state.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Muhammad Nuhu Nagaske, said the programme created an avenue for students to interact directly with government officials and discuss issues affecting their education and welfare.
Nagaske highlighted some of the administration’s interventions, including the expansion of automatic employment opportunities for first-class graduates, clearance of outstanding scholarship arrears, recruitment of qualified teachers and increased support for student innovation and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, a former Special Adviser on Higher Education, Dr. Bashir Usman Ruwan Godiya, described Governor Radda as the first governor to formally create a direct governance link with students through the appointment of a Special Assistant dedicated to student affairs.
He said the initiative demonstrated the administration’s recognition of students as important stakeholders in governance and development.
The Chairman of the Students’ Week Committee, Mallam Lawal Rufai Safana, said the programme had revealed young talents and potential leaders capable of taking over the mantle of leadership in Katsina State and Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that with sustained investment in education and youth development, the future of Katsina State would remain secure.
The Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB), Dr. Mustapha Shehu, added another major incentive to the celebration by announcing sponsorship for two winners of the football competition to participate in a leadership-in-football programme in Morocco during the 2026/2027 academic session.
The week-long event featured academic contests, sporting competitions, cultural displays, innovation exhibitions and a fashion parade, attracting Katsina students studying in institutions across several states of the federation.
The grand finale ended with the presentation of prizes to outstanding participants, celebrating not only academic and sporting excellence but also the creativity, leadership potential and entrepreneurial spirit of Katsina’s young generation.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Professor Aliyu Sanusi Rafindadi, while Dr. Ibrahim Sani Kaita delivered a goodwill message.
With the maiden Students’ Week combining education, leadership, sports, innovation and culture, organisers said the initiative had laid the foundation for a stronger platform through which Katsina students can contribute to the state’s development and prepare for leadership beyond the classroom.
About The Author
