Katsina Extends Merit-Based Scholarship Application Deadline to November 13

The Katsina State Government has extended the deadline for applications under its Merit-Based Scholarship Scheme to Friday, November 13, 2026, to give prospective beneficiaries more time to complete the application process.

The government said the extension was aimed particularly at eligible candidates in rural communities who might have difficulty accessing the application process before the earlier deadline.

Signed, Hon. Lawal Rufai Safana
Special Adviser to the Governor
Local Government Inspectorate
Katsina State

The announcement followed an earlier joint statement by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Katsina State Chapter, and the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Scholarship Board (KTSSB).

Interested applicants have been advised to submit their applications through the official portal.

The scholarship scheme, initiated by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, is designed to expand access to tertiary education and provide opportunities for academically qualified students, irrespective of their financial backgrounds.

Under the programme, 50 students will be selected from each of the 34 local government areas, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 1,700 across the state.

The government said the initiative was part of the governor’s commitment to supporting students from less privileged families who have the academic ability and determination to pursue higher education but face financial challenges.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees, registration and other approved academic charges, as well as annual stipends for beneficiaries studying in designated state-owned tertiary institutions.

It will also cover eligible Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in engineering-related disciplines to promote technical and professional education.

According to the government, the programme is designed to promote merit, inclusiveness, equitable geographical representation and human capital development across the state.

The government also clarified that Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results are not required for admission into the two designated Colleges of Education covered by the scheme.

It, however, advised applicants to ensure they meet the relevant O’Level and other institutional admission requirements for their chosen programmes.

On the issue of indigene certificates, the government said applicants who encounter difficulties obtaining the documents could visit their respective local government secretariats for introductory letters signed by the local government chairmen or their officially designated representatives.

Such letters, it said, would be accepted as alternative supporting documents, subject to verification.

The government assured applicants that the selection process would follow approved eligibility requirements and merit-based guidelines to guarantee fairness, transparency and accountability.

It reiterated that each of the 34 local government areas would produce 50 beneficiaries to ensure balanced representation across the state.

Parents, guardians, community leaders and local government officials were also urged to sensitise eligible candidates, particularly those in underserved communities, to take advantage of the opportunity.

The government advised applicants to provide accurate information and comply with the official application guidelines before the November 13 deadline.

The Special Adviser to Governor Radda on Local Government Inspectorate, Hon. Lawal Rufai Safana, said the administration remained committed to making education accessible to deserving students, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds.

He described the scholarship scheme as an investment in the future of Katsina State, saying it would help empower young people, improve access to education and promote social mobility.

He added that the ultimate objective was to produce educated, skilled and productive citizens capable of contributing to the development of their communities and the state.

In a statement issued on November 9, 2026, Safana urged all eligible candidates to take advantage of the extended deadline.