By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, alongside three other distinguished personalities, has been conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees by Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, at its 14th convocation ceremony.
Other recipients of the honorary awards are Ambassador Ahmad Rufa’i Abubakar (Sardaunan Katsina), former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Bin Ali Alhijri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria; and the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
Governor Radda, who received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration, described the recognition as a call to greater service and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state-owned university as a centre of learning, character, and service to humanity.
Addressing the graduands, the governor congratulated them and urged them to lead with integrity, embrace innovation, and apply their knowledge to solving societal challenges. He announced automatic employment for overall best graduating students after the completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), directing the Head of Service to commence the necessary process.
Governor Radda also approved a ₦100,000 cash award for best graduating students across all departments, while the overall best graduand will receive a brand-new vehicle. He further disclosed that funds have been released for programme accreditation and announced a salary increment for both academic and non-academic staff of the university.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the University, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida (Wazirin Katsina), described the convocation as a celebration of academic excellence and institutional growth. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika, commended the state government’s support and reaffirmed the Council’s resolve to reposition the university for global competitiveness.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Salihu Muhammad, said UMYU has expanded from about 1,000 to over 20,000 students and now offers 117 fully accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. He congratulated the 2,682 graduands, including 31 First Class degree holders.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, academics, diplomats, and other dignitaries from across the country and beyond.
