Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has approved the appointment of Senator Hadi Sirika, former Minister of Aviation, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU). The appointment, which marks the beginning of his first tenure, officially 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, the decision was based on Sirika’s “outstanding qualities and performance over the years.” Governor Radda urged him to bring his wealth of experience to the role to further strengthen the institution’s governance and academic excellence.
Born on March 2, 1964, in Dubawa, Dutsi Local Government Area, Sirika is an accomplished aviator and politician. He trained at the Petroleum Helicopter Institute, Flight Safety International, and Delta Aeronautics in the United States, and holds a Master’s degree in Aviation Management.
Before his ministerial role, Sirika served as a Member of the House of Representatives for Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency (2003–2007) and later as Senator for Katsina North (2011–2015). He went on to serve as Minister of Aviation from 2019 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Katsina State Government congratulated Senator Sirika on his appointment and expressed confidence that his leadership would promote innovation, discipline, and development at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University.
