Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has extended a lifeline to Sham’unu Ishaq, a first-class graduate from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University who was discovered selling sachet water to make ends meet.
The governor’s chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, announced the employment offer on Friday, highlighting Gov Radda’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding academic achievement.
A video circulating on social media revealed Mr. Ishaq’s challenging situation as he sold sachet water to support his family. Upon seeing the footage, Governor Radda took immediate action, instructing his special assistant on student matters, Muhammad Nagaske, to investigate the claims in the video.
“Subsequent investigation confirmed that Mr Ishaq indeed graduated with First Class honours in B.Sc. (Ed.) Education/Biology during the 2021/2022 academic session, as verified by the university’s deputy vice chancellor,” explained Kaula. “Mr Ishaq, who completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Taraba State, had resorted to selling pure water to meet personal and family obligations.”
Expressing his disappointment over Ishaq’s situation, Kaula quoted Gov Radda: “Academic excellence should be rewarded, not relegated to the streets.”
According to Kaula, this latest intervention aligns with Gov Radda’s long-standing drive to support high-achieving students and promote quality education in Katsina. Kaula recounted that on October 12, 2024, the governor had also provided automatic employment to nine distinguished graduates from Isah Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma. Likewise, on May 26, 2024, he offered direct employment to nine first-class graduates from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University during the school’s 9th/13th combined convocation ceremony.
“Our administration recognizes that the future of Katsina State lies in harnessing the potential of our brightest minds,” the statement concluded, underscoring the governor’s commitment to investing in the intellectual future of Katsina State.
As Mr. Ishaq transitions from street vendor to government staff, this act of intervention highlights Gov Radda’s dedication to reshaping the lives of young achievers in Katsina.
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