Senator A. A. Yari Scholarship Initiative has successfully awarded scholarships to 2,055 indigent and orphaned youths from Zamfara State studying in 19 tertiary institutions across the Northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
The Publicity Secretary of the Scholarship Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin Gidan Goga disclosed this during a press briefing in Gusau, the state capital.
Alhaji Danmalikin revealed that, the initiative has so far spent ₦216 million on registration and tuition fees for students in both public and private institutions, including Al-Istiqama University in Kano and Northwest University in Sokoto.
He further disclosed that, the scholarship programme, which commenced in the 2024/2025 academic session, will be sustained for the full duration of each beneficiary’s academic programme whether four, five, or six years depending on their course of study.
“This scholarship will be paid annually for each student until the completion of their academic programme. Those in four-year programmes will continue to receive sponsorship until graduation. The same applies to students in five-year courses and medical students whose programmes span six years,” Alhaji Danmalikin explained”
Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaliki Gidan Goga noted that, the committee is fully committed to ensuring that all beneficiaries complete their education without financial challenges.
“In addition to tuition coverage, the initiative also includes a monthly upkeep allowance of ₦15,000 for each student”
Alhaji Danmalikin stated that the payment of the arrears, starting from January 2025, will commence within the next two to three weeks.
“This means each student will receive backdated allowances covering up to eight months, followed by consistent monthly payments thereafter”
“Even during holiday periods, the students will still receive their upkeep stipends. Senator Yari has directed that payments must be made directly into the students’ accounts from the initiative,” he emphasized.
He also announced a refund mechanism for students whose parents had already paid their fees before the scholarship was approved. Such students are now eligible to apply for a refund through their respective institutions, as all scholarship funds have already been disbursed to the universities.
“This is a long-term project. We will conduct yearly assessments in collaboration with the universities to monitor progress. We will track students who graduate, withdraw, or default, and make adjustments accordingly,” he concluded”
Alhaji Ibrahim recalled that, the scholarship initiative was inaugurated around the same time last year by Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, the former governor of Zamfara State and current senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District.
According to him, the purpose of the initiative was to support the educational pursuits of underprivileged students from all 14 Local Government Areas of the state.
Alhaji Ibrahim Gidangoga explained that, the committee, chaired by Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, consists of 14 members drawn from each Local government, supported by three assistants per LGA, tasked with ensuring a transparent and efficient selection process.
According to Alhaji Ibrahim, 1,704 students were sponsored across 16 public universities, comprising both federal and state-owned institutions in the Northwest region.
In addition, 50 students were sponsored at Al-Istiqama University, a private university in Sumaila, Kano State.
Similarly, 200 students had also received sponsorship to study various courses at Northwest University, a private institution in Sokoto State.
“101 students were enrolled at Green Guardian College of Health Sciences and Technology in Gusau, to support the state’s growing demand for middle-level health professionals.
“This brings the total number of sponsored students to 2,055, all of whom have had their registration and tuition fees fully paid by the initiative,” he stated.
Alhaji Ibrahim also presented a comprehensive booklet detailing the names and institutions of all beneficiaries, which, he said, will be published in three national dailies to ensure transparency.
He further assured the public of the committee’s continued dedication to updating the people of Zamfara on the progress and impact of the scholarship programme.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
