By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
Katsina, December 27, 2025
The Katsina State Government, in partnership with alumni, traditional rulers and prominent Nigerians, has reaffirmed a collective commitment to education and institutional heritage as Dikko College, Katsina, marked its centenary anniversary.
The historic celebration, held at the Dikko College Conference Hall, brought together stakeholders who described the institution as a cornerstone of leadership development and educational excellence in Northern Nigeria and the country at large since its establishment in 1925.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Lawal Jobe, said the centenary was not merely a reunion, but a celebration of “one hundred years of excellence, service and enduring impact.”
He described Dikko College as one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools, noting that generations of its graduates have distinguished themselves in public service, governance, education, healthcare, engineering, security, commerce and community leadership.
“Wherever Katsina is mentioned, the imprint of Dikko College is evident,” Jobe said, stressing that the school’s legacy extends beyond academic certification to character formation, discipline, patriotism, resilience and service to society.
The Deputy Governor commended the Dikko College Old Boys’ Association for its sustained support through mentorship, scholarships, infrastructure development and policy advocacy, describing the collaboration between alumni, school management and government as a model worthy of replication.
He reaffirmed the Radda administration’s prioritisation of education, disclosing that more than ₦100 billion has been invested in the sector since the government assumed office. According to him, major interventions include the renovation and expansion of school infrastructure, with 152 schools constructed under the AGILE Phases I and II programmes, alongside special schools in each of the state’s three senatorial districts.
Jobe added that 7,325 teachers have been recruited, over 20,000 trained and equipped with modern teaching tools, particularly in information and communications technology (ICT). He further announced the elevation of the Department of Vocational and Technical Education to a full-fledged Ministry of Future Vocational and Technical Education.
In a major human capital initiative, the Deputy Governor revealed that the state government is sponsoring 109 students—all products of public schools—to study critical fields such as medicine, artificial intelligence and biotechnology in Egypt and China, with full coverage of tuition, accommodation and stipends.
While assuring continued government support, Jobe urged alumni to deepen their engagement through moral guidance, academic support and financial contributions, and to work closely with government in grooming the next generation of leaders.
Earlier, the President of the Dikko College Old Boys’ Association, Alhaji Aliyu Balarabe Saulawa—represented by the association’s secretary, Aliyu Habibu Dutsinma—traced the institution’s history to its founding in 1925 as Kofar Sauri School.
He outlined its evolution through various phases and names: Provincial Secondary School in 1952, Government Secondary School Katsina in 1967, Government College in 1978, Government Pilot Secondary School Katsina in 2000, before its eventual renaming as Dikko College by the Katsina State Government.
Saulawa highlighted key achievements of the alumni body, including the formal change of the school’s name, establishment of a national secretariat, reconstruction of dilapidated buildings, construction of a perimeter fence, and delivery of landmark projects such as facilities for the Central Bank of Nigeria, Civil Defence and a fire service station built by distinguished old students.
He paid tribute to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR—the Grand Patron of the College—for his financial and advisory support, which he said was instrumental to the successes recorded.
Delivering the centenary lecture, Dr. Ibrahim Ida, the Waziri of Katsina and an alumnus (1963–1967), reflected on his formative years at the school, describing the anniversary as a “golden milestone” symbolising a century of purpose, progress and pride.
He noted that Dikko College played a decisive role in shaping character, leadership values and lifelong bonds among its alumni, describing it as a “prestigious old school” deserving of sustained honour and protection.
In his remarks, the Emir of Katsina underscored the importance of unity and collective responsibility, calling on all stakeholders to work together to rehabilitate and elevate the college. He recalled making similar appeals during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, which, he said, were yet to be fully realised.
The event also featured the conferment of honorary awards on distinguished jurists and national figures, including former Supreme Court Justice Umar Walin Hausa, Dr. Umar Mutallab, Senator Ibrahim Ida, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Alhaji Mahe Rashid, as well as traditional rulers and former governors of the defunct Kaduna State and Katsina State.
The centenary celebration concluded with a renewed call for partnership among government, alumni and other stakeholders to preserve Dikko College as a historic legacy, a symbol of pride and a vital pillar in Katsina State’s educational and leadership development journey.
