Governor Dikko Radda Promises Better Future for Children Through Inclusive Education in Katsina

Governor Dikko Radda has reiterated his administration’s commitment to child welfare, inclusive education and youth development, declaring that every government policy in Katsina State is designed with the future of children in mind.

The governor made this known in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, on Wednesday to mark the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration themed, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

According to Radda, children remain the “most sacred trust” of any society, stressing that his administration is determined to ensure that every child in Katsina State, regardless of background, disability or social status, has access to quality opportunities and a brighter future.

“Today belongs to our children. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, they are the heartbeat of today. Every policy we make, every naira we invest, and every structure we build is ultimately for them,” the governor stated.

As part of efforts to amplify children’s voices in governance, the governor highlighted the appointment of Faruq Umar Lema, a young boy from Batagarawa Local Government Area, as Special Assistant on Children’s Affairs.

Radda also revealed that the state government established three multimillion-naira Model and Smart Secondary Schools located in Radda, Jikamshi and Dumurkul to provide quality education for gifted children from poor and rural communities.

According to the statement, the schools are equipped with 24-hour electricity, internet connectivity, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, as well as a fully digital learning ecosystem aimed at exposing students to modern technology-driven educatio

The governor disclosed that 996 students are expected to begin studies in the schools following what he described as a transparent admission process that received commendation from European Union diplomats and international education observers.

Speaking further, Radda said the state government, in partnership with the Gwagware Foundation, launched a Back to School Programme to tackle the growing number of out-of-school children across the state.

“No child in Katsina should be roaming the streets when there is a classroom waiting for them. We are not just talking about inclusion, we are funding it, staffing it, and tracking it,” he said.

The governor also referenced the recent launch of the Katsina State Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which is aimed at protecting students and teachers from insecurity, bullying and gender-based violence.

“We declared war on school violence because our children deserve peace in their classrooms. And we paid their examination fees because no child’s future should be held hostage by an invoice,” Radda added.

The administration, according to the statement, has fully covered the costs of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examination fees for secondary school students across the state.

In addition, the governor disclosed that about 2,000 students had received training in bag production and other vocational skills to prepare them for entrepreneurship and income-generating opportunities.

Radda called on parents, teachers, community leaders and civil society organisations to support ongoing efforts aimed at creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for every Nigerian child.

The governor’s remarks come amid increasing concerns over the rising number of out-of-school children in northern Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger investments in child protection, education and youth empowerment across the country.