By Fatima Mukhtar Isah
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda lf Katsina State has announced a salary increment for both academic and non-academic staff of the Umar Musa Yar”adia University Katsina, describing the move as a token of appreciation for their commitment and dedication.
He made the disclosure during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony held on Saturday, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Shehu Salihu Muhammad, highlighted UMYU’s growth from about 1,000 students to over 20,000, with 117 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes currently offered.
He added that 2,682 students graduated during the ceremony, including 31 First Class graduates.
As part of incentives to promote academic, Governor Radda announced automatic employment for overall best graduating students upon completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He directed the Head of Service to identify and process the beneficiaries accordingly.
He also approved a cash award of ₦100,000 for best graduating students across all departments, while the overall best graduand is to receive a brand-new vehicle.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the University, Senator Ibrahim M. Ida (Wazirin Katsina), described the convocation as a moment of joy and celebration, acknowledging the hard work of the graduands and the sacrifices of their families.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika, commended Governor Radda’s leadership and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to expanding access to education, improving research output and repositioning the university for global competitiveness.
Speaking on behalf of all honorary degree recipients, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar expressed gratitude to the university and urged the graduands to serve society with honesty, dedication and integrity.
Other recipients of honorary doctorate degrees include Ambassador Ali bin Ghanem Al-Hijri, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
