Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a landmark admission programme into three newly established special schools in Radda, Jikamshi, and Dumurkul — reaffirming his administration’s determination to make quality education accessible to every child, especially those from poor backgrounds.
Speaking at Government House, Katsina, during a strategic meeting with education stakeholders, Governor Radda announced that 996 students will kick off studies in the new schools, with priority admission given to gifted children from less privileged families.
He explained that each of the state’s 361 wards will nominate six pupils and students to sit for merit-based entrance examinations, making a total of 2,172 candidates, from which the final 996 will be admitted.
“All admitted students will enjoy full government sponsorship, including uniforms, computers, internet access, 24-hour electricity, accommodation, and qualified teachers,” the Governor stated, stressing that fairness and merit would guide the process.
Radda recalled his earlier promise to sponsor the best students abroad, which had already seen Katsina indigenes studying Medicine in Egypt and Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology in China — all fully funded by the state.
“In our villages, there are children with great potential but no means to access quality education. These schools will ensure the poor man’s child has the same opportunities as the rich man’s child. In 10 to 20 years, they will return to transform Katsina State,” he declared.
The Governor confirmed that the special school in Radda will be completed this month, while those in Dumurkul and Jikamshi will be ready before year’s end. For now, all 996 students will commence learning at Radda before moving to their designated campuses. Admissions will be conducted annually.
Entrance examinations will hold at Katsina College, Government Girls Secondary School Funtua, Government Day Secondary School Daura, Government Pilot Secondary School Dutsinma, Government Unity Secondary School Malumfashi, Government Day Secondary School Kankia, and Government Day Secondary School Mani.
Governor Radda urged education officers and community leaders to protect the integrity of the process: “If you betray the poor and give slots to those who do not deserve them, God will not forgive. But if you serve with honesty, God will entrust you with more,” he cautioned.
Top government officials present included Commissioners Zainab Musa Musawa (Basic Education) and Bishir Tanimu (Local Government), ALGON Chairman Rabo Tambaya, SUBEB Chairman Engr. Sani Magaji, PPS to the Governor Abdullah Aliyu Turaji, and other key stakeholders.
With this initiative, Katsina is set to raise a new generation of role models and nation-builders through education.
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