The Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities to children from poor and less-privileged backgrounds, stressing that no child should be treated as second-class citizens in the state.
The Governor gave the assurance at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, during a farewell ceremony for 35 Kebbi State students sponsored on full scholarship to study Medicine and Pharmacy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Governor Idris said his administration remains people-oriented and resolute in delivering quality education to the people of Kebbi State, adding that previous scholarship programmes were often dominated by children from wealthy families, explaining that his government has deliberately prioritises brilliant students from humble backgrounds.
He said this informed his decision to ensure that only the best and most committed students are sponsored under the state’s scholarship scheme.
Governor Idris advised the students travelling to Ethiopia to remain focused, disciplined and united, urging them to concentrate on their studies, avoid negative influences and seek help whenever they encounter challenges.
He assured them of continuous government support and promised to visit them during one of his routine stopovers in Addis Ababa., and he disclosed plans by his administration to sponsor children of less-privileged families to study aircraft piloting and aircraft engineering abroad, by the grace of God.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga, informed the gathering that the 35 students were fully screened and selected to study MBBS and Pharmacy at a premium medical college in Addis Ababa.
The Commissioner added that only three of the students will study Pharmacy, while the rest will study Medicine, assuring that all expenses have been settled with no outstanding liabilities.
Also speaking, a representative of the parents, Dr. Rufai Ahmad, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for giving children of ordinary citizens the rare opportunity to study abroad.
COV SANI DUTSINMA
