Two hundred students from tertiary institutions across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have been awarded the 2025 Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) Undergraduate Scholarship, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to advancing science and medical education in the region.
The beneficiaries, ten from each state, were selected through a competitive online application process open to indigent students studying science- and technology-related courses, especially medicine and engineering, in accredited Nigerian universities.
Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony held in Kaduna on Wednesday, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, said the annual gesture mirrors the late Sir Ahmadu Bello’s passion for education and human development.
He lamented the low number of Northern students studying medicine and science-based disciplines, urging state governors and stakeholders to invest more in education for the region’s long-term growth.
While commending the Foundation, beneficiary Musa Adamu described the scholarship as a major relief for students struggling to meet financial demands on campus.
Another recipient, Esther Dogara, noted that the intervention came at a critical time following widespread tuition fee hikes across Nigerian universities.
Since its inception in 2012, the SABMF Scholarship Scheme has supported over 1,000 indigent students from Northern Nigeria. Each beneficiary receives ₦100,000 annually from 100 level until graduation, amounting to ₦300,000 for four-year courses, ₦400,000 for engineering programmes, and ₦500,000 for MBBS.
More than 600 scholars have graduated through the scheme, with outstanding academic performance: 46% obtained First Class degrees, 27% earned Second Class Upper, and 23% finished with Second Class Lower. Many are now professionals in reputable organisations, postgraduate students, or entrepreneurs.
To strengthen professional development, the Foundation established the SABMF Scholars Forum in 2021, offering mentorship, career guidance, and community engagement opportunities.
The Forum is structured with national and state executives and continues to host physical and online mentorship programmes for scholars and youths.
Despite its achievements, the Foundation says funding limitations restrict its ability to support more students.
In Kaduna alone, over 300 applications were received this year, but only 10 candidates were selected.
Appealing for wider support, the Foundation urged philanthropists, organisations, and partners to assist in expanding the scholarship scheme to reach more deserving students across Northern Nigeria.
COV: Khadija Kubau
