Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has said his administration has expended the sum of N900 million on sponsorship of 41 indigent students to study Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery degrees in Al-Nahda University, Egypt.
The governor revealed this when he hosted the first batch of the indigenous students awarded foreign academic scholarships to study in the Egypt by his government.
The event, which was held at the Banquet Hall of the Katsina State Government House, witnessed by top government officials and parents of the benefiting students.
Governor Radda explained that the allocated fund was for a two-year study period, covering tuition fees, monthly upkeep, accommodations and other essential expenses of the students.
He cautioned the students against exhibiting unruly behaviours while abroad, warning that the state government would not hesitate in replacing any student found wanting with a more competent candidate.
Radda emphasised his administration’s commitment to supporting talented indigenous students, particularly those pursuing degrees in medicine and surgery and other health related courses.
He said: “Our unique foreign scholarship initiative aims to ensure that students, exclusively selected from public secondary schools, return to serve in various health facilities within their respective local government areas upon graduation.
“This strategic approach is designed to address workforce gaps in health facilities across the state and facilitate equitable placement of medical professionals.”
He added that the state government contributed to the establishment of the Federal University of Medical Sciences in Funtua in order to enhance the medical profession.
Earlier, the State Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, who chaired the committee for the selection of the students, said the students were selected on merits from public secondary schools across the state after vigorous and thorough screening.
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Follow us on:
