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The Katsina State Government today organized a send-forth event for the maiden set of its indigenous students awarded foreign academic scholarships to study in Egypt.
The ceremony, held at the Katsina State’s Presidential Banquet Hall, was chaired by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, with Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal Jobe, also in attendance.
In his address at the colourful event, Governor Radda, announced that the Katsina Government invested N900 million in sponsoring the first batch of its indigenous students to Al-Nahda University in Egypt, for their post-graduate studies.
According to him, the allocated fund was for a two-year study period, covering tuition fees, monthly upkeep, accommodations, and other essential expenses of the students.
He then cautioned the students against exhibiting unruly behaviours while abroad, saying the state government won’t hesitate in replacing any student found wanton, with a more competent candidate.
Radda emphasized his administration’s commitment to supporting talented indigenous students, particularly those pursuing degrees in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS).
“Our unique foreign scholarship initiative aims to ensure that students, exclusively selected from public secondary schools, return to serve in various health facilities within their respective local government areas upon graduation.
“This strategic approach is designed to address workforce gaps in health facilities across the state and facilitate equitable placement of medical professionals,” he said.
Governor Dikko Radda further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to establish a Faculty of Medical Science at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina, as part of broader measures to address the shortage of medical personnel in the state.
“Additionally, the state government has contributed to the establishment of the Federal University of Medical Science in Funtua, enhancing the availability of medical professionals at both the state and national levels,” he said.
Deputy Governor Jobe, who chaired the students’ selection committee, affirmed their adherence to rigorous procedures in identifying competent and talented students from public secondary schools for the sponsorship program.
Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Engineer Bello Lawal Yandaki, praised the Radda Foreign Scholarship Program as a groundbreaking initiative that will significantly contribute to the advancement of the state’s education sector.
Expressing gratitude, one of the sponsored candidates, Alasan Nasir, from Rimi Local Government, pledged to meet the Katsina government’s expectations and excel in their studies.
Signed:
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed,
CPS to Katsina State Governor.
22nd January, 2024
