From Kebbi to Addis Ababa: Governor Sponsors 35 Less Privileged Students

Birnin Kebbi — The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing equal access to education for children from poor and less-privileged backgrounds, insisting that no child should be treated as a second-class citizen in the state.

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The Governor gave the assurance on Monday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi during a farewell ceremony organised for 35 Kebbi State students sponsored on full scholarship to study Medicine and Pharmacy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Governor Idris said his government remains people-oriented and determined to deliver quality education to all citizens, particularly those from humble backgrounds. He noted that previous scholarship schemes were often dominated by children of wealthy families, a situation his administration has deliberately corrected by prioritising brilliant students from less-privileged homes.

He explained that past experiences showed that some beneficiaries of foreign scholarships often switched from professional courses to less relevant disciplines, despite the availability of such programmes in Nigerian universities. According to him, this informed the decision to sponsor only the best and most committed students under the current scheme.

“As a professional teacher, I know that children of the poor often possess exceptional talents. That is why we insist on merit, discipline and commitment. This programme has come to stay,” the Governor said.

He advised the students to remain focused, disciplined and united, urging them to avoid negative influences and seek assistance whenever they face challenges. He also assured them of continuous government support and promised to visit them during one of his routine stopovers in Addis Ababa.

Governor Idris further disclosed plans to sponsor children from less-privileged families to study aircraft piloting and aircraft engineering abroad, adding that the initiative would be expanded by the grace of God.

On the health sector, the Governor said his administration inherited serious manpower shortages, which necessitated the recruitment of over 2,000 doctors, nurses and other health professionals to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga, disclosed that the 35 students were thoroughly screened and selected to study MBBS and Pharmacy at a premium medical college in Addis Ababa.

He revealed that 10 of the beneficiaries are Huffaz who memorised the Holy Qur’an and are enjoying tuition-free education, with the state government catering for their upkeep, while the remaining 25 students have had their tuition, books and allowances fully paid by the Kebbi State Government.

According to him, only three of the students will study Pharmacy, while the remaining will pursue Medicine, adding that all expenses have been settled with no outstanding liabilities.

In his remarks, a representative of the parents, Dr. Rufai Ahmad, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for offering children of ordinary citizens the rare opportunity to study abroad.

He noted that none of the beneficiaries is a child of a senator, commissioner or legislator, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to uplifting the poor and less-privileged.