Speech by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, During the Convocation Ceremony at Al-Qalam University, Katsina on 7 December 2024

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar (Katsina Times)

Distinguished guests, esteemed faculty members, graduates, and dear students,

I am deeply honored and delighted to stand before you today at this momentous occasion—the Convocation Ceremony of Al-Qalam University. This is a significant milestone not only in the lives of the graduates but also in the lives of their families, friends, and the broader community. Today, we celebrate their hard work, dedication, and the completion of an important chapter in their lives.

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., C.O.M., for his unwavering support for education and for making this day possible. I also wish to recognize the efforts of the entire management and staff of Al-Qalam University, who have played a crucial role in shaping the future of our young graduates. 

It is truly heartwarming to witness the achievements of our graduates, and it is also a moment of reflection as we remember those who could not be with us today, particularly the late President, the Secretary of State, and other individuals whose contributions to education are worth noting. We are proud to posthumously award degrees to those exceptional individuals.

As we stand at this juncture, I want to emphasize the importance of education in our administration. Education is one of our highest priorities, as outlined in our strategic policy document, "Building Your Future." As part of our commitment to strengthening education in Katsina State, we have taken decisive steps, such as upgrading the Department of Higher Education to a fully-fledged ministry that will oversee tertiary institutions, technical and vocational training, and other related fields.

I am also pleased to share that we have allocated over 3.2 billion Naira in scholarship allowances for 260,899 students—both continuing and new—studying in various institutions, both in Nigeria and abroad, for the 2017-2023 academic sessions.

Moreover, on Thursday, December 12th of this year, Governor Radda will launch the disbursement of over 700 million Naira in scholarship allowances for the year 2024, benefiting Katsina State students. Additionally, we will unveil the second phase of the Katsina State Award of Excellence, recognizing students with outstanding academic performance, particularly those with a CGPA of 4.0 and above. Special scholarships will also be granted to students with special needs. 

In line with our focus on human capital development, last year, we sent 41 students to Egypt on fully-funded scholarships to study MBBS, and we have recently sent 68 students to study Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology at various institutions. These fields are critical to the future of technology and innovation, and our state is committed to staying at the forefront of this revolution.

I am also pleased to announce that we have upgraded the Institute of Technology and Management to a degree-awarding institution. This will greatly enhance the development of technical skills in our state and provide our youth with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.

As we celebrate today’s graduates, let us remind ourselves that education does not end here. Learning is a lifelong journey, and the world continues to evolve. I encourage all graduates to embrace the opportunities ahead, continuously learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society. Your future begins now, and I have no doubt that each of you will contribute to the growth and development of Katsina State, Nigeria, and beyond.

In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to all the graduates for their perseverance and hard work. You are the leaders of tomorrow, and I am confident that you will make us all proud. I would also like to thank the faculty, staff, and management of Al-Qalam University for your commitment to academic excellence and for shaping the minds and character of our youth.

Together, we will continue to invest in education and build a brighter, more prosperous future for our state and our nation.

Congratulations to all the graduates. Thank you, and may Allah bless you all.