By Sabiu Abdullahi
Kano State has dispatched the fourth batch of 150 graduates to India under its foreign scholarship program.
These graduates, part of the 1,001 indigenous students sponsored by the state government, departed from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at 7:30 a.m. on Friday.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Kofarmata, and other government officials were present at the airport to witness the departure. The flight is scheduled to land in Lagos before continuing its journey to India.
Dr. Kofarmata emphasised that the departure of this batch is a continuation of the government’s commitment to implementing the 1,001 postgraduate scholarship programme for 23–2024.
The beneficiaries, all first-class graduates, were selected based on their outstanding performance in undergraduate studies. Upon arrival in India, the students will be enrolled in various universities to pursue their Master’s degree programs.
Dr. Kofarmata highlighted that they will focus on internationally competitive areas of professionalism, contributing to bridging the manpower gap not only in Kano State but across the nation.
“A total of 550 students make up the first batch, heading to eight reputable universities, aiming to fill the manpower gap in the state and across the nation. The students are also expected to acquire experience, skills, and knowledge to revamp the state’s commercial status and explore other potentials for socio-economic development,” explained the commissioner.
The initiative, in line with the campaign promises of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aims to revive and strengthen the educational sector.
The first batch of 140 students had already departed for India on October 20, followed by the second batch of 33 graduates heading to the Islamic University in Uganda.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Governor Yusuf for fulfilling his campaign promises and reviving the scholarship program, originally introduced by the former governor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.
The Commissioner noted the joyous celebrations among the beneficiaries, their parents, and well-wishers, reflecting the positive impact of the government’s commitment to educational development in the state.