Kebbi sponsors 35 indigent students abroad for medicine, pharmacy studies

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding access to education, saying children from poor and underprivileged families will be given equal opportunities to succeed.

Idris spoke on Tuesday at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi during a farewell ceremony for 35 Kebbi indigenes awarded full scholarships to study Medicine and Pharmacy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The governor said the scholarship scheme was designed to prioritise bright students from humble backgrounds, stressing that past foreign sponsorship programmes were often dominated by children from wealthy families.

“As a professional teacher, I know that children of the poor often have exceptional potential. That is why we emphasise merit, discipline and dedication. This programme is here to stay,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and assured them of the government’s continued support throughout their academic journey.

Idris also revealed plans to extend similar opportunities to other disadvantaged youths, including sponsorships for specialised training in aircraft piloting and aircraft engineering abroad.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga, said the students underwent thorough screening before being selected to pursue MBBS and Pharmacy programmes at a leading medical institution in Ethiopia.

He added that the state government had fully covered their tuition, allowances and other related costs.