From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
In a significant move, 194 students from Jigawa state, previously studying in Sudan University, have been selected by the state government to continue their medical studies in Cyprus and India.
Addressing the students and their parents at Dutse Government House, Governor Malam Umar Namadi Sa’id highlighted the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its sponsored medical students.
He emphasized that, following the civil war in Sudan, the government collaborated with the federal government to safely evacuate and bring back all state-sponsored medical students.
“Since their return, the government has been working tirelessly to secure admission for the students in competent and reputable universities. Today, the state Ministry of Higher Education has successfully secured admission for 184 students in Cyprus University and 10 at an Indian University. All necessary arrangements have been completed for their flight to these countries on February 5th,” stated Governor Namadi.
During the meeting, Commissioner for Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Isa Yusuf Chamo, disclosed that the state government had allocated ₦2.6 billion for admission, transport, registration, and other logistics for the 194 students. He assured parents that the government would continue to support the students according to the scholarship program, covering two to three years of study duration.
“These students, graduates of public schools chosen based on merit, were selected to ensure equal opportunities for all children in the state. Under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, over ₦4.6 billion has been spent on various student scholarships, including SSCE registration,” explained Hon. Isa.
He further announced the state government’s review of the annual student scholarship, now covering at least 50 percent of their registration fees for any public university and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education for all children in the state, regardless of their parents’ social and economic status or geographical location.
The visibly excited students and parents applauded Governor Namadi and his cabinet for their determination to make Jigawa state “Great” and pledged to provide all necessary support for the state government to achieve its desired goals.