Dutsin-Ma University Convocation: Katsina State Government Pledges Support
- Katsina City News
- 02 Nov, 2024
- 196
By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar (Katsina Times)
At the ninth convocation of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, held on November 2, 2024, at the university’s sports arena, the Katsina State Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding educational access for youth. Speaking on behalf of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, highlighted the state’s significant investments in education and ongoing strategies to enhance access to quality higher education across the state.
Faskari emphasized the government’s dedication through the "Building Your Future" initiative, which allocated over three billion naira in scholarships from 2017 to 2022, with additional funds pledged for 2024. Moreover, the Department of Higher Education has been elevated to a full ministry, ensuring a stronger focus on overseeing tertiary institutions, technical schools, and vocational training centers.
In healthcare and technology, Faskari announced that 40 students received medical scholarships in Egypt, while 67 were funded to study artificial intelligence. The administration is also planning to upgrade the Katsina Institute of Technology and Management to a full-fledged university, marking a strategic move to develop a skilled workforce within the region.
Faskari concluded by encouraging the graduates to continue learning throughout their lives, assuring them of the government’s unwavering support for their educational advancement.
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Professor Armaya'u Hamisu Bichi, congratulated over 4,500 graduates, including 44 who achieved First Class honors. He urged the graduates to pursue their careers with integrity and resilience and expressed gratitude to dignitaries, faculty, and staff for their contributions to the university’s mission to foster national development.
This year, the university awarded honorary degrees to notable individuals in recognition of their contributions to education, public service, and national development. Among the honorees were Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Senator Akpabio, Honorable Abubakar Abban Bichi, and Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko from Sokoto State. These distinguished figures were recognized as exemplary role models for the graduating students.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Mohamed, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutse, praised First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her support of the university, particularly through her initiatives providing scholarships and establishing an endowment fund for female students. Reflecting on achievements since 2020, Mohamed acknowledged the security challenges faced by the university, yet emphasized the institution’s resilience and ongoing growth.
The Chancellor of the university, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja of Opobo, commended the institution’s progress and expressed pride in the graduating students. He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors of the university’s values, recognizing their dedication and enthusiasm as they prepare to face new challenges in their professional lives.