By Samuel Solomon
The Katsina State Government has announced an update on its automatic employment policy for first-class graduates, saying the offer will now cover all indigenes of the state who graduate with first-class degrees from higher institutions across the country.
Dikko Radda made this known on Sunday during the grand finale and award presentation of the maiden Katsina State Students’ Week held at Bayero University.
Radda said the decision was part of efforts to bring more qualified people into the state civil service and improve service delivery.
“When I assumed office, I introduced automatic employment for students who graduated with first-class degrees. We implemented this policy at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University and other institutions located in Katsina State.
“Today, I am pleased to expand the offer to all Katsina State students across the country who graduate with first-class degrees from this year onward.
“This decision is deliberate. If we recruit a significant number of first-class graduates into the civil service, Katsina State will have one of the most efficient and productive civil services in the country within the next 10 to 15 years.
“You will have a civil service that can compete favourably with any state in the federation and even rival those at the federal level because we are bringing highly talented individuals into the service,” he said.
The governor also said his administration had focused on paying outstanding scholarship debts and increasing bursary allowances to help students stay in school and complete their studies.
According to him, the government has reduced the number of out-of-school children in the state and stopped many from getting involved in crime.
Radda said education remains a top priority for his government, adding that a large part of the state budget has continued to go into the sector.
He said the government has employed over 10,000 teachers, built new schools and repaired school facilities across the state.
The governor urged students to stay focused on their studies and contribute to the growth of Katsina State.
He added that the achievements of Katsina students made him proud as both a son of the state and its governor.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Haruna Musa-Muhammad, described Radda as a governor who supports students.
He praised the increase in the state scholarship scheme and said the university was ready to work with the Katsina State Government to improve education.
Earlier, the convener of the event and Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Muhammad Nagaske, said the Students’ Week was organised to build unity, support academic excellence, promote culture and discover talents among students.
The event brought together Katsina students from higher institutions in Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno and other states.
Students who performed well in sports, academic contests and cultural activities during the week received prizes.
