GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA
PRESS RELEASE
SCHOLARSHIPS: Governor Radda Commends Katsina LG Chairman's Sponsorship of 106 Students in Polytechnic
* Our Govt Clears 4-Year Scholarship Backlog - Gov recalls
* Katsina LG had directly impacted 1,367 citizens in four months - Chairman
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commended the Executive Chairman of Katsina Local Government, Hon. Isah Miqdad A.D. Saude, for sponsoring 106 indigent students of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic with fully-funded scholarships.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the scholarships and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Polytechnic, Governor Radda urged other Local Government Chairmen across the state to emulate the Katsina LG initiative by supporting indigent students and easing the financial burden on parents.
The Governor recalled that upon assuming office, his administration cleared a backlog of three to four years of unpaid scholarships owed to students. He noted that since then, the State Government has remained consistent and timely in releasing scholarships to students studying both within Nigeria and abroad.
He described the initiative as a reflection of the youth-focused leadership his administration envisioned when it supported Hon. Miqdad's emergence as the youngest Local Government Chairman in Katsina State.
"This bold decision to sponsor 106 students shows that leadership is about touching lives directly. What the Chairman has done is exemplary, and I encourage other Local Government Chairmen to emulate this model," Governor Radda said.
The Governor further charged the beneficiaries to study hard, remain disciplined, and serve as good ambassadors of Katsina State. He also assured the management of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic of continued government support to improve learning conditions, strengthen academic programmes, and sustain its reputation as one of the leading polytechnics in Nigeria.
Reaffirming his administration's commitment to education, Governor Radda stressed that no student should be denied education because of poverty.
"We will continue to support students and create opportunities for young people to thrive," he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Katsina Local Government, Hon. Isah Miqdad A.D. Saude, said the 106 scholarships for ND and HND students were not just about certificates but about shaping futures.
He praised Governor Radda's leadership style, describing it as people-focused and impactful.
Hon. Miqdad highlighted his achievements within his first four months in office, noting that Katsina Local Government had directly impacted 1,367 people through carefully designed programmes.
According to him, 75 youths were trained in solar installation under the Renewable Skills Programme, giving them practical knowledge to earn a living and contribute to energy solutions.
He added that 96 students benefited from the Local Government Scholarship Scheme, while another 106 students were fully sponsored for their ND and HND studies in the landmark initiative.
To prepare young people for the digital economy, he disclosed that 500 youths were enrolled in free cybersecurity and Python programming training in partnership with Kebram Tech Nigeria Limited.
On healthcare, he explained that 250 vulnerable persons were registered free of charge into the State Health Insurance Scheme, while 200 residents of Kwado in Shinkafi B Ward received access to free medical care.
In addition, 140 small entrepreneurs were empowered with ₦50,000 start-up capital each, alongside SMEDAN certification, to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Malam Aminu Kallah Doro, praised Governor Radda's leadership, noting remarkable progress in education, health, agriculture, and security over the past two years.
He stressed the Governor's support to the Polytechnic, which includes the renovation of Students' Hostels (Blocks A and C), release of ₦35 million in 2024 for staff development, financial assistance to ASUP (HUK Chapter), sponsorship of the General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Lecture, and funding for accreditation of 25 programmes.
The Rector also recalled that the Polytechnic's innovations are gaining recognition, including the AI-powered Malaria Detection Device that won first place at the Northwest Zonal and third place nationally in the 2025 COREN/COMPODET Competition.
He added that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) recently approved nine new trades under the Certified Skills Training Centre, while students now undergo compulsory training in 25 trades before graduation — a move that aligns with the State Government's vision on youth empowerment.
Malam Doro appealed for more government support to expand programmes, provide streetlights for campus security, and construct access roads linking the Polytechnic to nearby colleges.
He also commended Hon. Isah Miqdad A.D. Saude for sponsoring the scholarship scheme, describing it as a bold step that aligns with Governor Radda's vision for education and youth empowerment.
Salwa radio and television online media services Katsina.
Copy from.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
18th September, 2025
Category
Labarai