The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda has advocated for improved security architecture in tertiary institutions in Katsina State, even as he noted that the Fund has contributed greatly to the development of tertiary institutions in the state.
Governor Radda made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Fund’s Headquarters in Abuja recently.
In his words, “your presence is everywhere, and even when I engaged our lecturers, they told me what you have been doing in our state in terms of improving capacity through some of your interventions”.
“The State and Federal Government are struggling economically at the moment and despite that, we appreciate your support and commitment. However, as you are aware, Katsina is one of the states affected by banditry, other forms of criminality and insecurity. We are here to tap and scout for resources. You have been doing a lot, but we are still appealing for more, especially on the specific area I mentioned earlier”.
“We need to intensify security in our tertiary institutions, we need to enhance the security architecture in our tertiary institutions. We also appeal for more support on technology and ICT. On our part, we will always be available and do what is required of us from our end,” he added.
In response, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono appreciated the Governor and his team for the visit. He noted that Katsina State has provided leadership for Nigeria at different times, and continued to lead by example in service to the nation.
While informing the Governor of some intervention support the Fund has provided institutions in the state, he stated that the Agency was also in the process of adopting the new University of Transportation in Katsina for enrolment.
Speaking further, Echono stated that “Katsina is at the height of insecurity in our country, and the Fund has already prioritized Katsina State on security infrastructure, as we made provision for that in our 2024 budget, to address and protect students in Katsina and other institutions with similar issue”.
“Despite insecurity, education must not stop, we must capture those that are out of school, and expand facilities and policies. We can achieve this by leveraging on technology and embracing the skill sector. Nigeria cannot continue to leverage on its neighbors to get certain things done, when it possesses a vast population of skillful people.”
