* Bags Fellowship Award at 23rd Convocation Lecture

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has pledged to establish an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory in his name at the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), to strengthen digital skills development and drive innovation among students of the institution.

Governor Radda made the pledge on Tuesday while delivering the 23rd Convocation Lecture of FUTI, formerly known as the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where he spoke on the theme, “Digital Literacy: Fundamental Skills and Job Creation Tools for Graduands in the 21st Century.”

The Governor was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.

The governor, who also received a prestigious fellowship award conferred on him by the institution, described the honour as a call to deeper responsibility. He dedicated the award to the people of Katsina State and Nigerians at large, whose support, he said, continues to inspire his work.

“I commit to using this honour to drive positive change and knowledge sharing,” he said.

Governor Radda stressed that digital literacy has become one of the most critical tools available to young Nigerians seeking to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the nation’s growth.

He pointed to Nigeria’s enormous potential, noting that the country’s population of over 203 million people represents a massive human capital resource that, if properly harnessed through digital education, can transform the country’s economic fortunes.

He also added that Nigeria already holds the enviable position as the number one country in Africa in the valuation of unicorns, which are startups worth over one billion dollars, a sign that the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and capable of competing globally.

The Governor urged the graduands to pay close attention to the shifting nature of work brought about by technological advancement.

Governor Radda, however, explained the transition from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), noting that while automation and artificial intelligence under 4IR displaced an estimated 75 million jobs worldwide, the same wave created 133 million new ones, resulting in a net gain of 58 million new jobs.

He emphasised that the world is now moving further into 5IR, where human-machine collaboration takes centre stage, shifting the focus from data analysis alone to human-centred creativity, empathy and innovation.

“The world is changing rapidly, and opportunities now lie in innovation and digital knowledge. You must be ready to learn, unlearn and apply your skills to solve problems and create opportunities,” he told the graduands.

Governor Radda drew attention to the enabling environment being built across Nigeria to support digital growth, referencing key federal initiatives such as the Digital Public Infrastructure framework and the Three Million Technical Talent Programme, popularly known as 3MTT, which is producing a new generation of digitally skilled Nigerians.

The Governor particularly referenced Katsina State’s own contribution through the Katsina Youth Craft Village, which serves as a hub for skills acquisition, innovation and youth enterprise.

He described the centre as a concrete example of how his administration is driving digital inclusion and equipping young people to thrive in a competitive economy.

“Realising Nigeria’s digital potential requires collective responsibility. Government builds the infrastructure such as fibre-optic networks that form the roads of the digital economy, society, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and individuals must drive the vehicles by acquiring and applying digital skills,” he furthered.

He called on government at all levels, the private sector and development partners to deepen investment in digital education and youth empowerment as critical ingredients for building a strong and competitive economy.

The governor commended the institution for its steady growth and successful transition from a polytechnic into a full university, describing the journey as a milestone that will expand access to quality technical and technological education for more Nigerians.

He also praised the management of FUTI for the wisdom and timeliness of the convocation lecture theme, noting that it touches directly on one of the central pillars of good governance in Katsina State. H

Governor Radda used the occasion to salute Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his tireless commitment to excellence and developmental strides that have made the state a fitting home for an institution of FUTI’s calibre.

He also reaffirmed full support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a bold and strategic framework that governors and heads of ministries, departments and agencies across the country are diligently implementing.

The event was attended by top government officials, education stakeholders, traditional rulers and members of the academic community.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State

15 April, 2026