The Katsina State Government has successfully disbursed N1.9 billion in scholarship allowances to 136,175 financially disadvantaged students pursuing higher education across Nigeria.
Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal made the announcement during a press briefing in Katsina, highlighting the administration’s dedication to education as a key driver of development. He noted that the payments covered scholarship allowances for new and returning students for the 2020/2021 to 2023/2024 academic years.
Governor Dikko Radda’s administration has also introduced initiatives to reward academic excellence. First-class graduates have been offered permanent and pensionable positions, and a scholarship reward program has been established. Under this initiative, 210 high-achieving students with Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA) between 3.5 and 5.0 were presented with certificates, plaques, and a N50,000 cash reward each.
Recognizing the importance of higher education, the state government has upgraded the Department of Higher Education to a full-fledged ministry. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritizing educational growth.
Infrastructure development in tertiary institutions has also received a boost. Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU) has benefited from a N314.6 million allocation for electricity restoration and N98.2 million for the installation of solar-powered security lighting to enhance campus safety.
Additionally, the state government invested N135.9 million for accreditation of programs at various tertiary institutions during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions as mandated by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
At Hassan Usman Polytechnic, Katsina, student hostels and the Mass Communication Department’s radio and television studios have been renovated. Staff development initiatives have also been prioritized, with financial aid provided for public lectures and international conferences.
To further strengthen higher education, the government allocated N43.9 million for program accreditation at Isah Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma, along with funding for its affiliation with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The Katsina State Government reaffirms its commitment to fostering an education-friendly environment, ensuring that students receive the necessary financial and infrastructural support for academic success. These efforts are aimed at raising education standards and empowering future generations.
Source: Daily Nigerian
