Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has offered immediate employment to Sham’unu Ishaq, a first-class graduate of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University who was discovered selling sachet water.

This was announced in a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula, in Katsina on Friday.

A video of Mr Ishaq has been going around on social media, revealing that he was selling pure water to support his family.

According to Mr Kaula, upon learning of Mr Ishaq’s situation, Mr Radda promptly directed his special assistant on student matters, Muhammad Nagaske, to verify the authenticity of the viral 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.

“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.

“Academic excellence should be rewarded, not relegated to the streets,” he said.

According to Mr Kaula, the latest intervention aligns with Mr Radda’s consistent drive to reward academic excellence and promote quality education in Katsina State.

He explained that on October 12, 2024, the governor demonstrated a similar commitment by offering automatic employment to nine outstanding graduates of Isah Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma.

“Additionally, the governor offered another direct employment to nine first-class graduates from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University during the 9th/13th combined convocation held on May 26, 2024.

“Our administration recognises that the future of Katsina State lies in harnessing the potential of our brightest minds,” the statement added.  

(NAN)