Katsina Emerges Overall Best in National BESDA-AF TESS Project, Governor Radda Hails Achievement.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has congratulated residents of the state after it emerged as the top-performing state nationwide under the Better Education Service Delivery for All Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) Transforming Education Systems at the State Level (TESS) Project. The recognition was announced at the opening of a two-day Orientation and Implementation Strategy Planning Meeting organised by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja, where Katsina was officially declared the country's best performer, outranking Oyo and Adamawa states. The ranking earned Katsina the largest allocation nationwide, valued at $12.18 million (₦18.7 billion). Oyo placed second with $9.82 million (₦15.1 billion), while Adamawa came third with $1.97 million (₦3.0 billion). Governor Radda described the achievement as both heartening and a reflection of his administration's commitment to improving education in Katsina under its Building Your Future Agenda. According to the results of the evaluation, Katsina's top ranking was attributed to several factors, including consistent integrity in project execution, strict adherence to World Bank guidelines on transparency and accountability, and the deployment of an experienced project team that ensured implementation met global standards. The state's performance was also boosted by measurable outcomes on the ground, including rehabilitated schools, the recruitment and deployment of teachers, and improved infrastructure benefiting learners in communities across the state. Reacting to the recognition, Radda said it demonstrated that genuine progress in education is achievable with the right leadership and accountability. "What this shows is that with the right commitment, education can truly be transformed. Our administration has set clear priorities under the Building Your Future Agenda, and this honour is evidence that those priorities are delivering results," he said. The governor commended Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musawa, for her role in driving the initiative, along with the BESDA TESS Project Coordinator and her team for their work in securing the national honour. He also acknowledged the contributions of government officials and development partners, pledging continued commitment to policies that promote access, equity and quality in education. Radda described the achievement as a collective win for the state. "This victory belongs to the resilient people of Katsina. It is proof that our efforts to build a brighter future for our children are yielding results. The future of education in Katsina State is indeed brighter than ever," he said.