Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has appointed Senator Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University. The appointment, which is for a one-year tenure, took effect in October 2025.

According to a statement by Ibrahim Almu-Gafai, Director of Press in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Senator Sirika’s appointment is based on his outstanding qualities and performance over the years. The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, urged Senator Sirika to utilize his vast experience in his new role.

Senator Sirika, an aviator and politician, was born on March 2, 1964, in Dubawa, Sirika B Ward, Dutsi local government area of Katsina State. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Aviation Management and has graduated from prestigious institutions, including the Petroleum Helicopter Institute, Flight Safety International, and Delta Aeronautics in the United States.

Senator Sirika has had a distinguished career in politics, serving as a Member of the House of Representatives for Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2007 and as Senator representing Katsina North from 2011 to 2015. He was also appointed Minister of Aviation from 2019 to 2023 under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The appointment of Senator Sirika as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University is seen as a significant development in the education sector in Katsina State. The Governor has congratulated Senator Sirika on his appointment, wishing him guidance in his new role. As Senator Sirika assumes his new position, he is expected to bring his experience and expertise to bear in the governance of the university.