Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, has offered scholarships, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to the five rescued students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katstina State.
The First Lady, alongside the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, in Abuja on Sunday, presented N1 million and a new laptop to each of the students who were kidnapped from their private lodge at Dutsin-Ma on October 4, 2023.
She said the scholarship would run for four years, being the period the students -Safiya Mutu, Hasiya Abubakar, Ramat Adam, Fatima Abdullahi, and Fatima Mohammed – would spend in school.
They are all currently in 100-level.
Tinubu said the Federal Government valued their education and safety and promised to give each of their parents N2 million and the Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, N1 million.
READ ALSO: Katsina varsity female student regains freedom after 50 days in captivity
She said: “Since your dreadful abduction on October 4, it has been a period of pain for you, your parents, your teachers and indeed all Nigerians. Throughout this period, we have kept faith and trust in God and in our law enforcement agencies that you will return safely.
“Since the incident, law enforcement officers from various agencies worked tirelessly to ensure your return home. Today, we thank Almighty God for protecting you and reuniting you with your loved ones.
“I, therefore, join your parents, teachers, and all Nigerians to celebrate this day and assure you of our commitment to support you as you begin your recovery after more than 70 days in captivity.”
Tinubu also promised to go beyond their safe return, promising to do a follow-up on their development both in school and concerning their mental health.
The First Lady added: “We will do a follow-up on your journey not only to recover from this sad episode in your lives, but to see that you accomplish your mission in your educational pursuit and career interests. You must continue to pursue your educational interests.
“Education is the greatest weapon in the fight against terrorism. By ensuring that you continue to learn, you can rewrite the story of your individual lives and your communities and join in the fight against terrorism and criminality.
“As we provide you with the necessary medical and psychological support, we at the RHI are also committed to providing you with guidance and support to reach your full potentials.”
She also commended all security and intelligence services for working tirelessly until the girls returned safely.
The Head of the Network Operation Centre of the Office of the NSA, Brig.-Gen. Olutayo Adesuyi, said Tinubu’s meeting with the rescued students was significant as it showed the solidarity of the Federal Government and support.
Speaking, each of the students thanked the First Lady for the kind gesture.
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