Mobile application to centralise student loans, scholarships and incentives – Gov. Radda
The Katsina State Government has announced plans to develop a dedicated digital platform in the form of a mobile application to support indigenous students of the state studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The proposed application will serve as a centralised platform for Katsina students, particularly beneficiaries of government-supported programmes such as student loans, scholarships, bursaries and other educational incentive schemes.
Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed this while receiving executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), North-West Zone, who paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Katsina, following their success at the recent NANS Zone “A” Convention held in Jigawa State, where Katsina State secured two executive positions.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula press secretary to the Governor, said the students’ delegation was led by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Hon. Muhammad Nuhu Nagaske.
Represented at the meeting by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, the Governor explained that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve governance, transparency and service delivery, particularly in the education sector.
“The proposed application will enable the Katsina State Government to establish a comprehensive and accurate database of indigene students across tertiary institutions, especially those accessing student loans and other forms of government support,” Governor Radda stated.
According to him, the platform will also assist the government in identifying gaps and priority areas that require additional support, subsidies or targeted interventions, particularly for students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
Governor Radda further disclosed that the Office of the Special Assistant on Student Matters, in collaboration with the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has been directed to commence development of the application to ensure timely deployment and effective implementation.
He commended the Special Assistant on Student Matters for his dedication and sustained efforts in advancing the welfare of Katsina students, assuring him of the administration’s full support at all times.
The Governor noted that Katsina State continues to distinguish itself in youth inclusion in governance, stressing that young people have been deliberately given opportunities to participate actively in leadership, policy formulation and decision-making under his administration.
“Katsina State believes strongly in the capacity of young people to contribute meaningfully to governance. We have created platforms for youth engagement, and we expect them to rise to the responsibility,” he said.
Governor Radda also commended the late former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, for assenting to the Not Too Young to Run Act, describing it as a landmark reform that expanded leadership opportunities for Nigerian youths.
He added that while leaders have created enabling laws and frameworks, it is now incumbent on young people to seize these opportunities and make meaningful contributions to societal development.
The Governor congratulated the newly elected Secretary-General of NANS Zone “A” (North-West), Comrade Lawal Isah Federal, and the Director of Transport and Exchange, Engr. Murtala Yahuza, on their victories at the Jigawa elections.
He urged the student leadership to objectively assess the performance of the Katsina State Government, particularly in the education sector, noting that such evaluations would help students take informed, fact-based positions anchored on performance and outcomes.
Governor Radda further assured the delegation that their requests and concerns would be formally conveyed to His Excellency for careful consideration.
Earlier, a NANS stakeholder in Katsina State, Comrade Abba Sada, appealed to the state government to consider the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the students’ union in the state.
He also requested support in providing essential facilities to enhance the union’s operations and ease of movement.
According to him, the establishment of a permanent secretariat would address the recurring challenge of frequent relocation of the union’s office whenever the position of Secretary-General is occupied by a student from a different state.
The meeting was attended by representatives of various tertiary institutions within and outside Katsina State.
