The Katsina State Government has expanded its automatic employment policy for first-class graduates, extending the offer to indigenes who graduate with top honours from higher institutions across Nigeria. Governor Dikko Radda announced the development during the grand finale and award presentation of the maiden Katsina State Students’ Week held at Bayero University, Kano (BUK).
Governor Radda explained that the initiative is designed to attract high-performing graduates into the state civil service and improve overall efficiency in governance and service delivery. He said the policy was initially introduced for graduates of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University and other institutions within Katsina State. According to him, the new expansion now covers all Katsina State students in higher institutions nationwide who graduate with first-class degrees from this year onward.
Radda said the decision reflects a long-term plan to build a more competent and competitive civil service in the state. He noted that integrating top graduates into public service would significantly improve productivity and institutional performance.
The governor said: “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.” He added that the goal is to build a system capable of competing with other states and federal institutions through talent-driven governance.
Radda also highlighted ongoing efforts by his administration to support education through bursaries and scholarship payments. He said the government has prioritised clearing outstanding scholarship obligations while increasing bursary allowances to encourage academic pursuit among students.
According to him, these interventions have contributed to reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state and limiting youth involvement in social vices. He further stated that education remains a core priority of his administration, with significant budget allocations directed toward the sector.
The governor disclosed that more than 10,000 teachers have been recruited, alongside the construction of new schools and rehabilitation of existing educational infrastructure. He urged students to remain committed to academic excellence and to contribute meaningfully to the development of Katsina State. Radda also expressed pride in the academic performance of students from the state.
Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa-Muhammad, described the governor as a student-friendly leader and commended the upward review of the state scholarship scheme. He said the institution is ready to deepen collaboration with the Katsina State Government in advancing educational development.
Earlier, the convener of the event and Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Muhammad Nagaske, said the Students’ Week was designed to promote academic excellence, cultural exchange and talent discovery among students. The event brought together Katsina students from institutions in Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno and other states. Participants who excelled in academic, sports and cultural competitions received various awards and prizes.
