From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
Yobe state Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON has assured that education would continue to occupy a prominent position on the priority list of his administration for a prosperous future for the state.
He stated this yesterday at a reception organized in honor of 171 Yobe state Students who recently graduated from various universities in India.
“You may recall that, this administration sponsored a total number of 233 Yobe State indigenes to study medical sciences, engineering and other allied science courses, which are driven by our needs in the multifaceted post-insurgency recovery programme of our administration” he said.
“As we celebrate the completion of studies of the 171 graduates at this reception, 62 others are still pursuing their studies in line with the duration and other requirements of their courses. I am optimistic that they will also complete their studies successfully and with flying colours to do the state proud.
“We have deliberately sponsored a good number of the students to study Medical Sciences to meet our desire of building a robust healthcare system that is effective to meet the challenges of the sector. This would contribute to the speedy recovery, growth and development of our dear state.
“I am optimistic that these young graduates would provide the needed manpower with the requisite skills in our health facilities especially, our efforts in providing one functional Primary Health Care Centre in each of the 178 electoral wards of the State. Your commitment to serving the people in all nooks and crannies of the State would further justify government’s investment in you” he added.
“As part of our mission for a greater Yobe State, the sponsorship of these graduates was not restricted to Medical Sciences, some of them studied Civil Engineering, Computer Technology, Agriculture, Information Technology, Petroleum Engineering and Law, among others” the Governor said.
“l wish to state with a deep sense of appreciation and pride that I have received positive reports of your character, discipline, hard work and exceptional academic performances throughout your stay in India. You have indeed done Yobe state and Nigeria proud” he eulogized the graduates.
According to the Governor, government offered scholarships and bursaries to over 38,000 Yobe State students in various universities, colleges and polytechnics across Nigeria to pursue their first degrees, Masters and Doctorate degrees.
“We have also granted over 400 international scholarships to students in Egypt, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, Jordan, Turkey, Malaysia, Russia, and other Countries. We have also sustained our commitment to sponsor other mandatory courses including law graduates attending the Nigeria Law School, ICAN, and ANAN professional certificates for accountants.
Others include ASCON at Badagry, French and Arabic graduates at the Arabic village, as well as, monthly stipend paid to students studying medicine, Nursing, Community Midwifery and Nursing, at the Shehu Sule College of Nursing and Midwifery” he added.
“This government is convinced that our collective efforts would effectively and efficiently address the various challenges of the state especially in communities where your expertise is most needed” he emphasized.