Kebbi Governor Sponsors 35 Students to Study Medicine in Ethiopia

The Kebbi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, has secured admission for 35 indigenes of the state to study Medicine at the Pioneer University of Science, Ethiopia.

The six-year programme, approved by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Education & Training Authority (ETA), is designed to train beneficiaries to become fully qualified medical doctors.

Speaking on Thursday, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Architect Muhammad Sani Aliyu, stated that the selected students were drawn from across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state after undergoing a rigorous screening exercise in line with the criteria set by the Ethiopian authorities.

“We are proud to announce that Governor Idris has prioritized the training, employment, and development of medical personnel in the state,” Aliyu said. “Although the Ethiopian university initially offered five free slots to Kebbi State, Governor Idris, in his compassion and commitment to healthcare development, approved the sponsorship of an additional 30 students, bringing the total number to 35.”

The Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on Religious Affairs, Engr. Imrana Usman further explained the governor’s magnanimity in approving the sponsorship and the criteria for selection.

“The programme spans six years, and Ethiopia allocated 35 slots to Kebbi State. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, worked diligently to ensure qualified candidates emerged,” Usman said.

He noted that all selected students had outstanding academic records, particularly in their 2024 WAEC results, which formed a significant part of the selection criteria.

“The entire programme is fully sponsored by Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu. The students are expected to depart for Ethiopia later this month to commence their studies,” Usman added.

Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor, expressed gratitude to Governor Idris for granting children from less privileged backgrounds the opportunity to participate in the programme.

This development underscores Governor Idris’s commitment to transforming the health sector through sustained investment in human capital development, modern medical facilities, and the renovation of hospitals and primary healthcare centres across the state.