By Sulaiman Abdullahi
To expand educational access for young Nigerians, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin has launched a domestic scholarship program funding 300 Master’s degree students at leading Nigerian universities.
This initiative comes just a week after the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF) facilitated the departure of 70 students for postgraduate studies in India. The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of Kano State, left via Malam Aminu Kano International Airport on December 29, 2024.
Through the BIJF, applications have now been opened for the “Postgraduate Domestic Scholarships for the 2025/2026 Academic Session,” targeting outstanding graduates from Kano State.
Speaking on the program, Maikudi Lawan, PhD, Secretary of the BIJF Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering academic growth and human capital development in fields critical to Nigeria’s future.
“This initiative offers a unique platform for academic excellence, research, and innovation in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Data Science, Mineral Exploration, Climate Change Management, and many others,” Dr. Lawan said.
Six prestigious universities have been selected for the program: Bayero University Kano, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Barau, described the scholarship as part of the senator’s broader vision for human capital development in Kano State and beyond.
“Senator Barau is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders through education. This program underscores his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and national development,” Mudashir said.
The announcement has been met with widespread commendation, with many viewing the initiative as a game-changer for graduates in Kano State seeking advanced education opportunities.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the foundation’s portal for more information and to submit their applications promptly.