By Salisu Hamisu Ali
The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has launched the fourth edition of his postgraduate scholarship programme, approving N25,853,128.50 in scholarships for 122 students from the constituency.
The programme was inaugurated on Sunday during the fourth edition of the lawmaker’s flagship Postgraduate Support Programme held at the Zibsah Event Centre, off the Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi Old Campus Road.
The initiative is aimed at supporting students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in higher institutions across Nigeria as part of Bichi’s continued investment in education and human capital development.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker said the scholarship scheme was designed to help students achieve their academic goals while promoting educational development in Bichi Federal Constituency.
He disclosed that 122 postgraduate students were selected as beneficiaries in the latest edition, with a total of N25,853,128.50 approved for their sponsorship.
Bichi also announced that 21 postgraduate students had been awarded scholarships to study in Malaysia under the first batch of an overseas scholarship programme. According to him, about 80 percent of the beneficiaries have completed their studies, while a larger second batch is expected to depart in September.
Highlighting his education interventions, the lawmaker said he had constructed more than 700 classrooms across the 12 wards of the constituency to address infrastructure deficits in primary and secondary schools.
He added that he is currently paying the salaries of 500 temporary teachers, each earning N60,000 monthly, to improve the quality of education and address teacher shortages in public schools.
According to him, his educational support also includes scholarships for more than 500 students enrolled in schools under the Kano State Science and Technical Schools Board, covering tuition, learning materials, accommodation and other educational expenses.
Bichi said the scholarship programme also benefits students from the constituency studying in universities, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
He further revealed that an electronic library currently under construction in Bichi would provide students with access to digital learning resources and modern research facilities.
The lawmaker noted that, in addition to education, his constituency development initiatives also focus on infrastructure, healthcare and youth empowerment to improve the living standards of residents and create more opportunities across the constituency.