‘Remain hardworking’, Gov Radda unveils fresh support for outstanding students, teachers
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has pledged continued support for outstanding students and their mentors, following the impressive performances of Katsina youths in international science, academic exchange and national sporting competitions.
Governor Radda made the commitment on Thursday when he received outstanding students from three schools in the state, led by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Hon Yusuf Suleiman Jibia and Executive Secretary, KTDMB, Dr. Mustapha Shehu.
Among them were Abdullahi Sani Matoya and Abubakar Abdullahi of Government College, Funtua, who represented Nigeria at the 2026 I-FEST² International Science and Technology Competition in Tunisia.
The students emerged second in the Environmental Science category, competing against more than 1,200 students from over 40 countries. They were mentored by Malam Yazid Ahmed.
Governor Radda congratulated the students and their mentor, describing the achievement as a reflection of the growing strength of Katsina youths in science, technology and innovation.
He said the achievement also underscored the importance of giving talented students the opportunity to develop and showcase their abilities at national and international competitions.
The governor also received the boys’ basketball team of Family Support Programme Secondary School (FSPSS), Katsina, which emerged first in the Northern Conference of the Nestlé Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship, involving schools from 10 Northern states.
The competition was held in May 2026 at the Sani Abacha Indoor Sports Hall, Kano. FSPSS Katsina also produced the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition and received a ₦500,000 cash prize and 15 cartons of Milo beverages.
The team later represented the Northern Conference at the National Finals in Lagos, where it won a Fair Play Trophy, alongside several medals and an additional 12 cartons of Milo beverages.
Governor Radda commended the players and their coaches, saying their performance had brought positive recognition to Katsina State and demonstrated the potential of its young people in sports.
Also received was Halima Sa’adu of Sarki Umar Faruq Umar (SUFU) College, Daura, who participated in the 2025/2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Programme in the United States.
Halima was among seven Nigerian students selected for the international exchange programme and attended Arkansas Sylvan Hills High School, where she distinguished herself academically.
She was recognised as the Best Student of the Month for January 2026 and received Certificates of Proficiency in English and Hausa Languages.
Halima successfully completed the programme and returned to Nigeria on June 5, 2026.
Governor Radda praised her performance, saying it showed that Katsina students could excel in international academic and cultural exchange programmes when given the right opportunities.
“It gives me great joy to witness this kind of brilliant achievement by our young people in the state,” Governor Radda said.
He commended the teachers and mentors for their dedication, as well as the parents for providing the support needed to help the students succeed.
“We cannot take your contributions for granted. Without your efforts, guidance and commitment, these achievements would not have been possible,” he said.
Governor Radda said his administration was deliberately prioritising children from rural communities, less privileged backgrounds and public schools through its education programmes.
“There are great talents among our children, but sometimes they lack the means and opportunities to showcase those talents. That is why we are creating opportunities for children from less privileged backgrounds,” he said.
He explained that admission into the state’s smart schools was based on merit, with students from public schools undergoing examinations and interviews before admission.
The governor added that students sponsored by the state to study outside the country were also selected on merit, with many coming from rural and less privileged backgrounds.
He cited the performance of Katsina students studying MBBS in Egypt, where seven of the nine best-performing students were from the state, as evidence of what could be achieved when talented young people were given the right opportunities.
On sports development, Governor Radda called for the early identification and proper nurturing of talented athletes, stressing the need to connect outstanding students with reputable academies and professional institutions.
He also directed the relevant education authorities to establish a mechanism for tracking students who participate in international exchange programmes and other major opportunities, particularly those who demonstrate exceptional potential.
“We should not allow students to participate in exchange programmes, return home and then be left without further support. Those who successfully complete such programmes should be properly tracked and supported,” he said.
Governor Radda further called for greater recognition of teachers and mentors whose efforts contribute to producing high-achieving students.
“I am particularly happy that we still have dedicated and committed teachers in our education sector who are mentoring students to this level. They deserve recognition for what they have done,” he said.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to invest in education, science, technology, sports, innovation and youth development to enable more Katsina youths to compete successfully at national and international levels.
He urged the students to remain hardworking, disciplined and focused, stressing that their achievements could positively transform their lives, families, Katsina State and Nigeria.
“Do not relax. Remain hardworking, study more and continue to develop yourselves. If you do that, the sky will be your limit,” Governor Radda said.
The event was attended by the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, members of the Katsina State Executive Council and other senior government officials.
