The Katsina State Government said it has spent over N3.2 billion in the payment of scholarship allowances to 260,899 students of tertiary institutions for 2017-2023 academic sessions.
The Deputy Governor, Malam Faruq Jobe, who disclosed this in Katsina on Saturday at 16th convocation of the Al-Qalam University, said the allowances covered the students both at home and abroad.
According to him, the administration of Gov. Dikko Radda has accorded education a top priority in line with its strategic policy document called ‘Building Your Future.’
“To this end, we have upgraded the Department of Higher Education to a fully pledged Ministry to take charge of tertiary institutions and technical and vocational training in the state
“I am also glad to announce that we have paid over N3.203 billion as scholarship allowance to 260,899 continuing and fresh students of tertiary institutions for the 2017-2023 academic sessions, both at home and abroad.
“In the same vein, Radda will on Thursday, inaugurate the disbursement of over N700 million as bursary allowance for the year 2024 to Katsina state students.
“Similarly, he will be launching the second phase of the state government’s award of academic excellence to students with outstanding performance.
“This award will go to students with CGPA of 4.50 and above, alongside the granting of special scholarships to students with special needs,” the deputy governor said.
According to Jobe, in 2023, 41 students were sent to Egypt to study Medicine on fully funded scholarships.
He said, ”Recently, 67 were extended scholarships to study Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge disciplines in China.
“Our decision to do that was based on the way AI is changing the way we live and work.
”It is therefore our commitment to ensure that Katsina state remains at the forefront of this technological revolution.
“The graduates of these programmes will bring back invaluable expertise to drive innovations in sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare among others.
“In addition, this administration has approved the upgrade of the Institute of Technology and Management to a degree-awarding institution. This will enhance the technical skills of the people.”
Congratulating the graduates, the deputy governor further encouraged them to seize every opportunity to learn, evolve, and contribute to the society.
“As we celebrate the accomplishment of today’s graduates, let us remember that education does not end here.
”Learning is a lifelong process and the world we live in requires us to adapt and grow continuously.
“Your journey is just beginning, and I have no doubt that you will make us all proud as you embark on your respective careers,” Jobe expressed confidence.
