Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State on Monday commissioned the Katsina Local Government Digital Learning Centre, describing the facility as a strategic investment in youth empowerment and a major milestone in the state’s drive toward digital literacy and inclusive technological development.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Radda said the centre, constructed and fully equipped by the Katsina Local Government, reflects the importance of grassroots-driven development in preparing young people for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.
The Governor commended Isah Miqdad, the Chairman of Katsina Local Government for initiating and completing what he described as a “forward-looking project” capable of delivering long-term benefits to youths and the wider society.
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According to him, “The importance of this Digital Learning Centre cannot be over-emphasised. It is timely, strategic and fully aligned with the direction the world is moving.
“Digital skills are no longer optional. The world has fully embraced technology, and our youths must be prepared to compete, innovate and succeed,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda noted that Katsina State has recorded measurable progress in digital literacy and ICT development, acknowledging the role of the State ICT Directorate in driving the government’s digital agenda and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to positioning Katsina as a digital-friendly, innovation-driven state.
“To compete favourably with other states, digital preparedness is key. We must not only catch up; we must lead, and project that thousands of youths would benefit from the centre over time”, Radda added.
Earlier, Isah Miqdad, Chairman of Katsina Local Government, attributed the establishment of the Digital Learning Centre to Governor Radda’s reform-driven leadership, particularly the grant of full financial autonomy to the 34 Local Government Councils in the state, which he said marked a turning point in local governance.
“When financial autonomy was granted, it challenged us to think beyond routine administration and focus on projects that would leave lasting legacies.
“We are already working to secure national ICT examination and JAMB CBT accreditation for this centre, which will ease the burden on students, expand access to higher education and restore dignity to local learning,” he added.
Bashir Ibrahim, the Head of Partnership Division who represented the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), described the centre as a strategic investment in human capital that aligns with NITDA’s Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme.
“This centre goes beyond infrastructure; it is about inclusion, opportunity and equipping young people with relevant digital skills for the modern economy”, Ibrahim said.
