Jigawa State Government has concluded arrangements to transfer its 194 students in war-torn Sudan to Cyprus and India for continuing their medical studies.
Speaking to the students and their parents in Dutse Government House, the state Governor Malam Umar Namadi said that since the outbreak of civil war in the Sudan Republic, the Jigawa State Government has been following the situation in the country.
He stated that the Jigawa State Government, in collaboration with the federal government, worked tirelessly for the safe evacuation of the state-sponsored medical students, and all of them were successfully brought back to Nigeria safely and in good condition.
“However, since their return home, the government has been working day and night to secure another admission for the students in a competent and standard university to continue their studies for achieving our desired goals of getting enough manpower to manage our health facilities.
“Today, the state Ministry of Higher Education has successfully secured admission for 184 students at Cyprus University and 10 at an Indian University, and all necessary arrangements have been completed for their flight to those countries on February 5th,” Governor Namadi stated.
Speaking at the meeting, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Hon Dr. Isa Yusuf Chamo, said the state government has spent ₦2.6 billion on admission, transport, registration, and other required logistics for the 194 students.
He explained that some of the students will spend two years while some three years to complete their studies, and assured that the government will continue to take care of them in accordance with the scholarship programme.
“If you can recall, all of these students were graduates of public schools, chosen based on merit to ensure equal opportunity for all children in the state.
“Since the inception of the present state government under the leadership of Malam Umar Namadi, over ₦4.6 billion was spent on various student scholarships, including SSCE registration.
“The state government has also reviewed the annual student scholarship to cover at least 50 percent of their registration fee at any public university and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” Hon Isa stated.
The commissioner then reiterated the commitment of the state government to ensure access to quality education for all children in the state, regardless of their parents’ social and economic status or their geographical location.
The students and their parents, who were visibly excited with the development, applauded Governor Namadi and his cabinet for their determination to make Jigawa State “great” and promised to give all necessary support to the state government for achieving the desired goals.
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