Bauchi Gov Awards Best Varsity Graduating Student Scholarship To PhD Level

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has offered a postgraduate scholarship up to PhD level to Sa’adatu Mustapha Bila, the best graduating student of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA).

Bila, who graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.63, emerged as the overall best graduating student among the pioneer set of 50 students from the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

LEADERSHIP reports that Bila was followed by Winifred Kesiki William, who recorded a CGPA of 4.58, and Adam Sa’adatu Muhammad, who graduated with 4.53.

The governor announced the scholarship during the university’s maiden convocation held over the weekend.

The scholarship allows Bila to pursue postrgaduate studies at any university of her choice worldwide.

Mohammed commended the federal government for establishing the university, describing it as a significant step towards expanding access to specialised healthcare education and developing skilled professionals for the country’s health sector.

He reaffirmed the Bauchi State government’s readiness to collaborate with the federal government in addressing the shortage of qualified health professionals and strengthening healthcare delivery.

The governor also highlighted federal investments in healthcare infrastructure in the state, including the teaching hospital in Azare, the Federal Medical Centres in Misau and Alkaleri, and the ongoing development of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

He called for sustained investment in health education to meet the needs of local communities and respond to the growing international demand for Nigerian-trained health professionals.

The Governor also urged Bauchi indigenes to emulate former Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, by using their positions and influence to attract development projects and federal institutions to the state.

He commended Adamu for his efforts towards the establishment of FUHSA, urging other indigenes occupying positions of responsibility to follow his example by supporting initiatives that would improve the lives of the people.

Mohammed also praised Prof. Pate for his contributions towards attracting additional tertiary health institutions to Bauchi State, noting that such initiatives would expand access to specialised health education and strengthen healthcare delivery.

According to him, public office and positions of influence should be used to attract projects, investments and institutions capable of creating opportunities for young people and accelerating development.

He called on Bauchi indigenes in government, business and other sectors to contribute to the development of their communities by supporting education, healthcare and other critical sectors of the economy.

In his remarks, the Chancellor of FUHSA and Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to the development of tertiary education and human capital in Nigeria.

He also appreciated Governor Mohammed for his continued support, cooperation and partnership with the university.

Mera acknowledged the contributions of governors across the North-East to educational development in the region, particularly Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

He equally expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Governor for the consistent support and encouragement extended to him in the discharge of his responsibilities as the Emir of Argungu.

The chancellor said FUHSA must aspire to become a centre of excellence in health education, medical research, innovation and service to humanity.

He urged the university to continue developing strong academic programmes, attracting and retaining excellent scholars, promoting research that addresses community needs and establishing partnerships that would strengthen its contribution to Nigeria’s health sector.

Mera expressed confidence that sustained cooperation among the Governing Council, management, Senate, staff, students, government, traditional institutions and other stakeholders would enable the university to fulfil its mandate.