By News Desk

KATSINA, Nigeria — Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has pledged fresh support for high-achieving students and their mentors following strong performances by the state’s youth in international science, academic exchange, and national sporting competitions.

The Governor made the commitment during a reception at the Government House in Katsina on Thursday, where he received delegations of students, coaches, and school administrators led by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, and the Executive Secretary of KTDMB, Dr. Mustapha Shehu.

Recognized Achievements Across Academics and Sports

Governor Radda commended students from three state institutions who represented Katsina and Nigeria at national and international levels:

• International Science Innovation: Abdullahi Sani Matoya and Abubakar Abdullahi of Government College, Funtua, along with their mentor Malam Yazid Ahmed, were honored for securing second place in the Environmental Science category at the 2026 I-FEST² International Science and Technology Competition in Tunisia, competing against 1,200 participants from over 40 countries.
• National Sports Championship: The boys’ basketball team from Family Support Programme Secondary School (FSPSS), Katsina, was recognized for winning the Northern Conference of the Nestlé Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship in Kano and receiving the Fair Play Trophy at the National Finals in Lagos.
• International Academic Exchange: Halima Sa’adu of SUFU College, Daura, was celebrated following her return from the 2025/2026 Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Programme in the United States, where she earned Student of the Month honors at Arkansas Sylvan Hills High School.

Policy Directives on Talent Tracking and Rural Inclusion

Addressing state executive members and education officials, Governor Radda emphasized that his administration remains focused on merit-based access to specialized education for youths from public schools and rural backgrounds.

Key directives issued by the Governor included:

• Student Tracking Framework: Directing education authorities to establish formal mechanisms to track, mentor, and support students returning from international exchange and science programs to ensure long-term career progression.
• Sports Academy Integration: Urging sports administrators to establish pipelines linking standout student-athletes with professional sports academies and higher institutions.
• Teacher Recognition: Calling for expanded welfare and formal state recognition for dedicated teachers and mentors who prepare students for national and global competitions.

Governor Radda reaffirmed that the state government will continue expanding investments across basic education, smart school initiatives, and science infrastructure to support talented youths across the state.