Writing By Abdullahi Shettima; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
Ibrahim Rilwan Muhammad IRM Foundation has awarded scholarships to 100 Community Health students in a major effort to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and expand access to quality primary healthcare in underserved communities.
The scholarship presentation was held during the graduation ceremony of the Aisha Ameer Healthcare Institute in Rigasa, Kaduna State, where beneficiaries, parents, community leaders, and health stakeholders gathered to celebrate what many described as a transformative intervention.
Representing the Foundation, Alhaji Baba Sidi Kabir Mohammed said the initiative was introduced to support young people passionate about community healthcare but hindered by financial challenges.
He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to investing in human capital, particularly in critical health fields.
The beneficiaries were selected through a transparent process based on academic performance and a demonstrated commitment to serving their communities.
The scholarships cover full tuition, allowing the students to focus entirely on their studies.
The spokesperson explained that empowering young people “means empowering entire communities,” adding that students from modest backgrounds often return to serve with dedication and integrity.
Director of the Aisha Ameer Healthcare Institute, Dr. Yahaya Balarabe, commended the IRM Foundation and its Founder, Hon. Ibrahim Rilwan Muhammad, describing the initiative as timely and impactful in addressing manpower shortages in the health sector.
Similarly, the District Head of Rigasa, Arc. Mohammed Aminu Idris, praised the Foundation for selecting Rigasa as a beneficiary, noting that the intervention would significantly improve access to primary healthcare in areas facing severe personnel shortages.
Some of the recipients also expressed gratitude. Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Fatima Abdul Salam described the scholarship as a huge relief for many families and thanked Hon. Ibrahim Rilwan Muhammad for giving hope to young people aspiring to serve their communities.
Health stakeholders at the event urged other organisations and philanthropists to emulate the IRM Foundation, stressing that collective efforts remain essential to strengthening primary healthcare nationwide.
The scholarship scheme is expected to boost the number of trained community health professionals entering the workforce, ultimately improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
