From Maawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, has announced a salary increase for academic and non-academic staff of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University.
Radda made the announcement during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony held at the weekend.
He also disclosed that his administration had released funds to enable the institution to secure accreditation for some of its programmes in line with national and international standards.
“Our government will continue to support UMYU to achieve excellence, discipline and service to humanity,” the governor said.
Radda, who was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration by the university, announced automatic employment for the overall best graduating student upon completion of the National Youth Service Corps.
He further approved a N100,000 cash award for the best graduating students across all departments, while the overall best graduate is to receive a brand new vehicle.
The governor thanked the university for the honour, describing it as a call to greater service and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state-owned institution.
“I accept this honour with humility and a renewed sense of responsibility to serve the people of Katsina State with dedication and integrity,” he added.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, Senator Ibrahim Idah, acknowledged the institution’s progress in expanding academic programmes, enhancing research and strengthening community engagement.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Salihu Muhammad, said the university had grown from 1,000 students at inception to over 20,000, offering 117 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
He disclosed that about 2,000 students graduated at the ceremony, including 31 First Class graduates.
Muhammad commended the state government for its financial support to the university.
