Jigawa Govt Sponsors 6 Medical Students To India

Jigawa State government has released N167.25 million for the sponsorship of six students to pursue medical and related professional courses in India.

The beneficiaries, who departed Nigeria yesterday for studies at Integral University, Lucknow, India, were sponsored under a foreign scholarship programme coordinated by the Jigawa State Scholarship Board.

The executive secretary of the board, Malam Said Magaji, disclosed this while bidding farewell to the students at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Magaji explained that the approved sum covers tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, resident primary health insurance, return air tickets and other incidental costs for the duration of their programmes. He said the initiative aligns with the development agenda of Governor Umar Namadi, particularly in strengthening the state’s health system through the development of skilled manpower.

According to him, the students will study courses including Doctor of Pharmacy, Nursing and Engineering, with the expectation that they will return to serve in hospitals and other health facilities being built or rehabilitated across the state. He noted that the growing population and expanding healthcare infrastructure in Jigawa necessitate sustained investment in trained professionals.

Magaji further revealed that the state government has earmarked N10 billion for the Scholarship Board in the 2026 fiscal year to support foreign and local studies, describing the allocation as ambitious but realistic.

He added that the six students were selected based on outstanding academic performance, including excellence at the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition.

One of the beneficiaries, Adam Isa Adam, an engineering graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is being sponsored for a master’s degree following his participation and victory in a global artificial intelligence competition held in China. Speaking on behalf of the students, Adam expressed gratitude to the state government, stating that the scholarship would enable them to develop their skills further and contribute meaningfully to Jigawa State upon completing their studies.