Foreign Scholarships

On Zamfara students abandoned in Cyprus

By Muhsin Ibrahim

A few weeks before the 2023 general elections, I came across a campaign video featuring students sponsored by the Zamfara State Government to study in Cyprus. I criticised the video, stating that students should refrain from getting involved in politics.

It was not wise for the students to campaign for the governor. Although they might have felt obligated to do so, I was concerned about the consequences if Bello Matawalle, the governor at the time, lost the election. Unfortunately, that is precisely what happened.

As I feared, Dauda Lawal Dare, the new governor of Zamfara, abandoned those students. Today, they live in destitution, struggling to feed themselves in a foreign land. Some don’t even have a befitting accommodation. While their precarious situation may not be connected to that video, it might have added insult to injury.

Governments in Kano, Zamfara, or any other state must reconsider sending people to foreign universities. Of course, those universities are often better than our local ones. However, we need to wake up to the current realities. Our currency (i.e., Naira) has lost much of its value, and inflation is higher, among other unfavourable realities.

Irrespective of the political landscape, it is incumbent upon the government of Zamfara to provide for those students. They are, without a doubt, the government’s sole responsibility. After all, governance is about continuity and the welfare of its citizens.

If the government is unable to meet its financial obligations, it is only fair that it brings these students home and enrols them in local universities in Nigeria. This is the least they deserve.

It is high time the government started paying attention to its citizens and acted upon their requests.

Muhsin Ibrahim, PhD, wrote from Cologne, Germany. He can be reached via muhsin2008@gmail.com.

Kano students suffer as government fails to pay off their tuition fees

By Muhammed Sodangi

Let me begin with the famous saying of the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary leader, Nelson Mandela, who said, “It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

On August 23, 2023, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, approved the payment of ₦700 million to 7,000 Kano indigenous students at Bayero University, Kano.

This commendable gesture has put smiles on the faces of a great number of students who were utterly struggling for the survival of their academic pursuits at the time.

Under your stewardship, Your Excellency, approximately 550 indigent students from Kano State were sponsored to travel overseas for a master’s scholarship program.

Thus, it is a clear testimony that the education sector has been prioritized by investing heavily in the future leaders of our state.

However, students studying at various universities outside the state risk deferment or withdrawal for not settling their tuition fees as promised by the Kano State government.

On March 2, 2024, the Kano governor held a meeting with the “Joint Consultative Forum of Kano Universities Students” to address the lingering issue regarding the payment of their tuition fees.

A few days later, a screening team from the scholarship board was dispatched to various universities, but no progress has been recorded yet.

Your Excellency, many students have missed tests and are on the brink of missing exams. We are thus calling on your intervention as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Kano State’s scholarship debacle: Outstanding fees leave bright minds in limbo

By Dr Sagiru Mati

I was one of the beneficiaries of the 501 Scholarship Scheme during the Kwankwaso-Ganduje administration in 2012. Eleven of us were selected to pursue Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering, Economics, and Software Engineering at Near East University. All expenses for tuition, accommodation, meals, a monthly stipend of four hundred US dollars ($400), flight tickets, and other necessary costs were covered and transferred to the university’s account. Towards the end of our program, an additional one thousand US dollars ($1,000) per person was also provided as a ‘thesis allowance.’ We are grateful to the Kano State government for this, and we hope that all scholarship schemes can be as hitch-free as ours.

Upon completing our master’s programs, approximately 50 students of Kano origin, primarily teenage girls, were transferred from India to Near East University. Additionally, a new group of undergraduates and post-graduates were granted scholarships under a new program initiated by the Ganduje-Hafiz administration. Unlike us, their fees and stipends were to be paid in instalments. Unfortunately, they faced numerous challenges, including delayed monthly stipends, despite their dedication to bringing pride to their parents and Kano State through hard work.

They comprise individuals holding PhDs (11 males and 1 female) and an MSc (1 female), alongside 47 undergraduates in Medicine (29 females and 5 males), Nursing (8 females and 2 males), Pharmacy (2 females), and Dentistry (1 female). In summary, there are 47 undergraduates and 13 postgraduates. These students showcased exceptional brilliance, making significant strides in their respective fields of study. Notable among them is Dr. Sani Isah Abba, the top PhD graduate in 2020, a distinguished researcher, and among the top 2% of world researchers in Artificial Intelligence. Assistant Professor Abdullahi Garba Usman stands out as the first postdoctoral scholar at Near East University, honoured with the Young Scholar Award, boasting over 800 citations.

Moreover, a married couple, Drs Auwalu Saleh Mubarak and Zubaida Said Ameen, received recognition from Near East University for two years in a row for their remarkable contributions to Biomedical Engineering research, accumulating hundreds of citations under their belts. Dr Rabiu Aliyu Abdulkadir is notable for having amassed more than 500 citations. At the same time, Dr. Abdulmalik Ahmad Lawan specialises in utilising technology for assessing autism spectrum disorder, and Dr. Umar Aliyu Shuaibu excels as an expert in assessing economic policy.

Similarly, the top three graduating medical students were Dr Ismail Adnan, securing the first position; Dr. Khadija Yusuf, ranking second; and Dr. Amina Aliyu Sambo, claiming the third spot. Likewise, Aliyu Nuhu Salihu distinguished himself as the top graduate in Nursing.

Despite these achievements, the Kano State government has not settled their tuition fees, stipends, and airfare for their return home. They were compelled to arrange their own means to travel back home. Near East University has withheld their certificates since 2019 due to the outstanding fees, which have escalated from around two hundred million Naira (NGN200,000,000) to approximately eight hundred million (NGN800,000,000) due to the depreciation of the Naira. Any further delay may increase this amount.

I have often pondered the following questions: Could it be because resolving their issues wouldn’t enhance political popularity? Is it because they don’t belong or lack connections to political families? Is it because there’s nothing in it for the government officials? Is it because the government lacks the funds to settle the debt?

I implore the government to act with compassion and understanding to settle this debt and safeguard the future of these bright minds before it becomes irreparable. They have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their education, and they deserve to have their achievements celebrated through the issuance of their certificates. The government should honour its commitment and restore the hope once ignited in these aspiring scholars’ hearts. They deserve the opportunity to reclaim their futures, proudly display their certificates, and embark on the careers they have diligently prepared for. Furthermore, Kano State needs human resources, predominantly female medical doctors in our hospitals and lecturers in our universities.

Sagiru Mati, BSc (BUK, Nigeria), MSc, PhD (NEU, North Cyprus), can be reached via sagirumati@yahoo.com.

Why Kano State deaf graduates deserve foreign scholarship even without First-Class

By Zulkifil Aminu Adam

It has come to our attention that three Kano residents with disabilities have been chosen to be among the recipients of the state’s current scholarship scheme. However, due to failure to match the conditions, i.e. First Class, they will be granted a domestic scholarship rather than a foreign one. This is highly commendable, and we express our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the disability community. However, I beg permission to bring something critical to the notice of the administration in the hope that it will urge the government to reconsider this arrangement.

First and foremost, people with disabilities (PDWs) require special consideration in every socioeconomic, academic, and political sphere. This is a widely accepted general remark that arose due to the innate proclivities of individuals with disabilities. It is consistent with the above general statement that the University of Ilorin in Kwara state admits PWDs without requiring them to take the post-UTME, not to mention the various benefits PWDs receive at the university.

Several Nigerian universities have declared 160 as the cut-off mark for PWDs; the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is currently holding a conference with deaf student representatives from various Nigerian tertiary institutions to discuss and ensure compliance with the above statement in dealing with PWDs regarding admission issues.

Second, in the case of Kano and the Nigerian educational system in general. It is critical to consider the educational framework in which persons with disabilities grew up before proceeding with their placement or requiring particular academic standards from them. As deaf students in secondary school, we were taught by teachers who walked away after filling up blackboards because they couldn’t communicate in sign language. We had to study on our own. And the government did nothing to address the situation.

When we finished secondary school and fought for admission to the university, we were compelled to study in Special Education (a department that has never produced a first-class graduate) or change university. We don’t have a choice except to accept.

Then, we enter lecture halls and face a new challenge: exclusion. We sit among hearing students (who enjoy the lecture), feeling lost and neglected. We were not provided with sign language interpreters. Isn’t this depressing? Nonetheless, we persevered through all these difficulties until graduation.

Despite all the challenges we faced from secondary school to university, we were required to finish with first-class honours to be considered for a foreign scholarship. With due respect, the demand is excessive. The government, schools, or whatever institution should not give us less while expecting so much from us.

Of course, we do not justify lower academic performance by disability, but by our unmet needs and the numerous obstacles we face as people with disabilities on the path to academic improvement – thanks to the carefree attitude of the government and the universities. Please allow me to say that a deaf graduate from Bayero University Kano (BUK) with a Second Class is equivalent to a First-Class hearing graduate in the same university.

Dear KNSG, Kano deaf students, whether First Class or not, deserve a foreign scholarship. The difficulties they overcome to graduate are sufficient justifications. Let the scholarship be a restitution for the government’s neglect throughout history.

Zulkifil Aminu Adam is the Assistant Secretary, National Association of Nigerian Deaf Students (NANDS). He can be reached via zulqeepil19@gmail.com.

After sponsoring 200 BUK students, Senator Hanga offers overseas scholarships

By Uzair Adam Imam

Rufai Sani Hanga, the Kano Central senator, pledged to provide scholarships for students to study abroad.

The senator said the scholarship for the 200 students of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), which he paid recently, was just one of the many opportunities awaiting not only students but all women and youth in his constituency.

He added that he would try hard to ensure more investment in education and empowerment for women and youth for the betterment of society.

Hanga disclosed this Wednesday at an event that converged the 200 sponsored students of BUK in his office in Tokarawa, Hadejia Road, Kano, to receive their awarding letters.

It can be recalled that Senator Hanga had paid the registration fees of 200 BUK students as a response to the painful outcry by the students as a result of a hike in the registration fee.

I responded to the painful outcry of students – Hanga

Senator Hanga said his sponsorship of the 200 BUK students was a response to the uproar generated by the increment in registration fees by the university management.

He said he came to the rescue of the students due to a call by Malam Aisar Fagge, Malam Salihu Sule Khalid, Malam Abubakar Tijjani Ibrahim and Alhaji Musa Nuhu Yankaba.

“This (scholarship) is in response to the outcry generated by the registration fee increment in Bayero University, Kano, which threatens the progress of many students in the university.

He added, “Malam Aisar, Abubakar, Salihu and Alhaji Musa were the ones who called me and advised that I should come to the aid of these students. I really commend them and the other members of my scholarship committee.

“While I consider this a quick intervention, I want to stress that more programs that target the upliftment and empowerment of our people are on the pipeline, in sha Allah,” he added.

Hanga commended the scholarship committee, adding, “I wish to advise the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.”

We tasked ourselves for this rescue mission considering the unfavourable economic situation in Nigeria

Malam Aisar who is also a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Kano State Polytechnic said they were into this rescue mission because of the unfavourable economic situation in the country and understood many students could not afford to pay for their school fees.

He said, “I have been in the teaching profession and know very well how students struggle to pay 20 or 30 thousand naira as their registration fee.

“Some students mostly go to radio stations to beg people. So, given that now there was an increment in registration fees, I feared many would have no other option than to drop their studies.”

It gladdened me when my mother thanked me for selfless service to humanity – Aisar

The communication scholar also added that it excited him and nearly reduced him to tears when his mother called to thank him for his selfless service to humanity.

“Although I was very excited looking at the happy faces of these promising students, there was nothing more exciting than the moment when my mother called to thank me.

“My mother, Hajiya, was in a tricycle when she heard the other two passengers talking about the matter, thanking Senator Hanga for rescuing their children.”

Students narrate tribulations, thank Hanga

“I reckoned without a hike in the registration fee. When I heard about it, my mind was awfully heavy as I knew I couldn’t afford it,” recalled a 400-level student of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), with a beaming smile on his face.

The student said a new hope had been rekindled in him by the scholarship he got from Senator Rufai Sani Hanga.

Another student, Abdurrahman Kabir Yunus, said the news of the hike in registration fees paralysed him.

He said, “But Senator Hanga wiped up my tears. And what he did was a lesson to me as I really feel indebted.”

Sham’una Rabi’u from Warawa Local Government said it was underestimating to describe how happy he was.

Rabi’u said, “I am very happy to be one of the beneficiaries of this scholarship. I couldn’t thank Senator Hanga enough.”

Kano State Foreign Scholarships: Review and Recommendations

By Mahmud Aminu Dambazau

One of the trending topics in the past weeks has been the increase in registration fees of students by Bayero University, Kano. Before that, the University of Maiduguri, Federal University Dutse, University of Uyo and several others had increased theirs, and of course, it was anticipated following the revelation from the federal government that it could no longer fund universities.

I am glad the state universities in Kano have not toed that path yet, as several state universities have followed suit or tried to. Engr Rabi’u Kwankwaso’s administration has, among its biggest achievements, sponsored thousands of students abroad and within the country for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. While such numbers were unprecedented and unmatched by any other state administration, there is a need to reflect, assess the previous intervention, and possibly look for alternative ways to achieve the same result without necessarily taking the same route.

Many students had dropped out of tertiary institutions even when they had a passion for the study and were lucky to pass all stages of admission simply because they could not afford the then registration fees. A day hardly passes during registrations by tertiary institutions without students begging for public support to pay their fees on radio programs in the state. Now that most of these institutions have increased their fees which are in most cases more than 100%, we are likely to have an influx of dropouts across the state. With few job opportunities and frustrations of a crumbled dream, such could threaten a volatile security situation. More students will benefit from a home-based scholarship, even if partly, than a foreign one.

Between 2011 to 2015, when Kwankwaso sent students abroad, a dollar was exchanged for less than ₦200. With the dollar now fluctuating around ₦800. It means what would be spent for a single student now would be more than what was paid for three students then; if they are to be sent to the same institutions, fees will remain unchanged. Is Kano generating at least three times what was developed during Senator Kwankwaso’s administration, even if other factors were to be constant?

I have friends that had graduated years back from private universities within the country who were also sponsored by the then administration but are unable to serve their country (NYSC) or secure employment with the government because the schools have not issued their original results to them due to inability of the successive administration to complete their payments. A relative of mine could only graduate from India because her father paid her outstanding fees.

I have heard different appeals from students sent to different countries but later abandoned after Kwankwaso’s tenure. Wouldn’t it be better to investigate and ensure all those previously sponsored thoroughly have successfully graduated and issued their original results and then devise a sustainable plan for similar future interventions even if it is to be continued?

The Kwankwaso administration established more than 20 different institutes, none of which are currently functioning. I am glad; HE Abba Kabir Yusuf had, among his first acts in government, visited the Reformatory Institute, Kiru and given directives for its revival, among others. To borrow the title of Prof. Isa Ali Pantami’s recent book, Skills Rather than Just Degrees, re-establishing these institutions will allow even those who have already acquired degrees to further polish them with relevant skills. Reviving them will certainly gulf millions if not billions. All other stages of education at the state are currently requiring urgent attention.

Recent pictures from the once glorious Science and Technical Schools Board schools are disturbing. Bringing back these institutes, Technical Schools; Schools for Arabic Studies; Adult and Nomadic schools, without doubt, are better avenues to invest rather than foreign scholarships.

Again, as an alternative to foreign scholarships, why not invest the money in needed infrastructures in our universities, get them the latest equipment and employ on contract foreign scholars while giving them specific targets to train a certain number of masters and PhD students? With that, a considerably greater number of students would benefit, meaning more research output, recognition, and higher ranking of the state universities and might even attract foreign students or grants.

Lastly and more importantly, there is a saying, thus, “Teach a man to fish rather than give him a fish”. Some months back, just before the elections, a friend of mine who graduated with a first-class degree from Bayero University, Kano, and a distinction during his masters at a university in India sponsored by the Kwankwasiyya Foundation appealed to his followers on Twitter to vote for the NNPP, at least so he and of course, others could further their studies once more, abroad. For him, it would be a PhD. There are currently multiple scholarship opportunities, such as the PTDF, especially for students with excellent results. There are even more opportunities from several universities, including some of the best universities in the world. In almost every instance, those who get such opportunities from Nigeria are usually from the southern part of the country, who are more informed and enlightened in aspects like this.

An association, Arewa Youth Mentorship Forum, comprising mainly academics that secured foreign scholarships, is mentoring the younger ones from the North. Luckily, many succeeded in securing scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I came across a post on their Telegram group earlier this week where they provided a list of universities in the US that offer scholarships to even second-class lower and third-class graduates. If second-class and third-class graduates could get foreign scholarships, why should scarce resources be expended on sending those who could easily get such scholarships to institutions that even the government could probably not afford to send them?

If the Kano state government can utilise these opportunities and provide an avenue for these graduates to be mentored, trained and guided on securing foreign scholarships, more students would benefit. In contrast, the government can invest the scholarship money in other areas requiring more urgent attention.

Mahmud Aminu Dambazau can be contacted via madambazau@gmail.com.

Reimagining education in Kano State: A call for visionary leadership

By Huzaifa Dokaji

Imagine a bustling city nestled in the heart of West Africa that radiated intellectual brilliance and creativity long before the Europeans reached the region. This is Kano, a city whose intellectual achievements have shone brightly throughout history, never hidden from the world’s gaze. A state North African merchants describe as “a city like a thousand city”. Allow me to paint a vivid picture of Kano’s intellectual past, a portrait that will captivate your imagination and unveil the greatness that lies within.

Centuries before the arrival of colonial powers, Kano was a thriving centre of learning, attracting scholars from far and wide. It was a place where minds converged, knowledge was cherished, and intellectual pursuits flourished thanks to state and privately-sponsored academic spaces. In the corridors of Kano’s renowned educational institutions, such as the intimidating Madabo centre, scholars delved into the depths of philosophy, science, literature, and Islamic studies. They engaged in intellectual debates, exchanged ideas, and produced works that left an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape of their time and beyond. This legacy, however, is at peril more than ever.

In a state that once boasted of kings and emirs renowned for their generous support of scholars and students, state scholarships are now only disbursed on the eve of elections, serving as mere tools for vote canvassing. Our schools are among the worse in the world. Although once a space where literary production was at its fines, schools in Kano lack access to any useful library resources. Lecturers resort to illegally downloading books online or relying on pirated copies to fulfil their teaching duties.

It is genuinely dismaying that a junior lecturer in our universities must spend nearly half their monthly wage to order an essential textbook on Amazon, while students at even the poorest universities in America have access to such materials through interlibrary loans. Adding to this bleak scenario, for example, over three years, Stony Brook University in New York spent about half of our 2023 budget for education to renovate its Student Union building. As worrying as this is, I believe Kano State still possesses the potential to emerge as a shining example of educational brilliance once again. My intervention is limited to institutions of higher learning.

To transform the Kwankwasiyya vision for education into a reality, we must transcend the mere provision of basic educational infrastructure and sponsoring students to study abroad. We must embrace a bold approach that surpasses the efforts of our Nigerian and West African counterparts. We need visionary leadership and innovative infrastructure. We need leaders who understand that education is not merely about constructing classrooms and dashing out scholarships; it is about providing qualitative and enduring infrastructure and creating an environment that fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, and cutting-edge research. We need leaders who recognise that the quality of education is directly proportional to the quality of infrastructure provided and the system created.

Imagine a Kano State where universities boast state-of-the-art research laboratories with cutting-edge technology. Envision lecture halls that facilitate interactive and engaging teaching methods, equipped with the latest audiovisual tools and comfortable seating arrangements. Picture libraries filled with a vast array of books, journals, and digital resources, providing students and faculty with access to a world of knowledge at their fingertips. Imagine campuses adorned with green spaces, inspiring architecture, and modern facilities that foster an atmosphere conducive to learning and intellectual exploration. Imagine a Kano where lecturers are paid a decent wage.

We must transcend those dilapidated buildings that even counties are ashamed of building abroad. There is a critical need to dream beyond the limitations of what other Nigerian governors have failed to achieve. We must look to the examples set by leaders in more progressive societies and strive for such excellence. Let us aim to provide our students and faculty with infrastructure that not only meets their basic needs but also inspires them to reach new heights of knowledge and innovation. This should be the Kwankwasiyya vision.

The interventions

a. Infrastructure

To realise this vision, it is crucial to prioritise the modernisation and expansion of our universities’ infrastructure. Outdated facilities, overcrowded classrooms, and limited resources hinder the educational experience and impede the pursuit of cutting-edge research. It is time to break free from the shackles of mediocrity and invest in infrastructure that reflects our commitment to academic excellence. We need well-equipped laboratories, not just buildings with nothing to offer our science students. By allocating a significant portion of the state budget to education and ensuring the judicious utilisation of funds, we can establish a sustainable funding model that facilitates the development of world-class infrastructure.

The above investment will benefit our universities and attract renowned scholars and researchers from around the world. They will see Kano as a place where they can pursue their academic endeavours in an environment that supports and nurtures their intellectual growth. By looking at what governors in more advanced regions are doing, we can identify innovative approaches to infrastructure development. These leaders understand that modernising educational institutions goes beyond constructing buildings; it involves creating spaces that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. They invest in research facilities, technological resources, and student support services that enrich the educational experience and provide students with the skills needed to thrive in the global economy.

b. Wages and Allowances

There is a pressing need for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to reconsider the current remuneration package for lecturers in our state-owned higher institutions. It is essential to rise above the confines of the narrow mindset that accepts the prevailing notion of meagre salaries for lecturers on the selfish idea that it is what all states and the federal government are paying. In this era, marked by heightened awareness and accountability, there is no plausible justification for not paying a reasonable wage when politicians have continued to show ingenuity in sourcing money to fund their expensive and outrageous lifestyles. Paying lecturers a meagre salary of $200 a month undermines their professional dedication and the essence of a vibrant and dynamic education system. Recognising the invaluable contributions of these esteemed educators, Governor Yusuf must transcend the limitations of prevalent practices and champion a new paradigm of valuing and rewarding academic expertise. By offering a respectable and competitive wage, he can demonstrate his unwavering commitment to nurturing an environment that attracts and retains top-notch scholars, who, in turn, inspire students to reach new intellectual heights.

c. Grants and fellowships

The absence of grants in Kano universities is not only a concern for the institutions themselves but also a reflection of the broader condition of education in our beloved state. No society can truly develop its education system and produce graduates who can address the nation’s needs without ensuring access to basic resources, such as grants, which fuel academic progress and knowledge dissemination. To rectify this pressing issue, there is an urgent need to prioritise establishing grant programs that cater to the needs of faculty members and students across all universities in Kano State. It is imperative to allocate funds in the state budget specifically dedicated to supporting and rewarding research, innovation, and academic excellence.

For several reasons, grants and fellowships are crucial in developing academic research, especially in developing countries. First, they provide financial support to researchers who may not have the resources to pursue their studies. Second, they facilitate collaborations between researchers worldwide, enabling the exchange of ideas and knowledge. Third, grants and fellowships often come with opportunities for training and mentorship, which can enhance the skills and expertise of researchers. Finally, supporting academic research, grants, and fellowships can lead to the developing of new technologies, products, and services that can have significant social and economic benefits for developing countries.

The government should collaborate with private organisations, philanthropists, and international institutions to establish a successful fellowship and grant program in Kano. By working together, the government can leverage existing resources to create a sustainable program that supports research and innovation in academic institutions.

Grants, both for lecturers and students, are crucial lifelines that enable universities to flourish and produce graduates equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world. They will provide financial support for research projects, allow for acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and resources, and facilitate collaboration with industry partners. Without grants, universities face a significant impediment to progress and risk falling behind in the global academic landscape. Establishing fellowships and grants in Kano can help bridge the gap between local and international education systems by attracting talented scholars and researchers worldwide. This will give students and scholars access to diverse ideas and perspectives, enabling them to compete globally.

Grant investments will demonstrate Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to developing Kano’s education system. It will make him, perhaps, the only governor to establish such in the entire Northern region. Such a move will enhance the quality of education and attract renowned researchers, industry partnerships, and prestigious grants to our universities. The ripple effect of such investment will position Kano State as a hub for innovation, drive economic growth, and nurture a generation of graduates ready to tackle local and global challenges.

Denying students access to grants limits their potential and hampers their ability to engage in hands-on, practical research experiences that enrich their educational journey. By investing in grants, we empower our students to contribute meaningfully to their respective fields upon graduation. Moreover, these programs will create a culture of research and innovation in academic institutions, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness.

In conclusion, by embracing visionary leadership, investing in infrastructure, and establishing grant programs, Kano State can transcend the limitations of the past and emerge as a leader in educational excellence. Let us not settle for mediocrity but strive for greatness in our pursuit of knowledge and innovation. The future of Kano’s education system lies in our collective commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and nurturing a generation of scholars capable of making significant contributions to society. Together, we can transform Kano into an educational powerhouse that inspires and empowers future generations.

Huzaifa Dokaji is a PhD student and teaching assistant at the Department of History, State University of New York at Sony Brook. He can be reached via huzaifa.dokaji@stonybrook.edu.

Kano reopens applications for foreign, local scholarships for indigenes

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

The Kano State Government has resumed awarding local and foreign postgraduate scholarships to indigenes of the state. 

This was made public on Friday through a statement signed by the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi.

Dr Bichi called for entreaties from qualified Kano graduates. Graduates with first-class honours who are from the state and are medically fit to travel abroad are eligible to apply. 

He also noted that the last time the state awarded scholarships of this kind was in 2025, during the administration of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Part of the statement reads: 

”Applications are invited from suitably qualified graduates for Kano State postgraduate foreign and local scholarships for the 2023/2024 Academic Session.

Recall that the last scholarship was offered in 2015 by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s Administration which sponsored the third batch of 503 first-class graduates to 14 different countries.

After eight years without postgraduate foreign scholarship by the last administration, H.E. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, The Executive Governor of Kano State, has approved the resumption of the postgraduate foreign and local scholarship with effect from the 2023/2024 Academic Session.”

Applicants are called on to fill out relevant application forms obtainable for free from www.kanostate.gov.ng/scholarship_application.

The state concludes that:

“Eligible applicants would be invited for a screening interview.

Completed application forms together with copies of credentials (indigene certificate, medical certificate, birth certificate, Primary School Certificate, WASC/GCE/SSCE certificate, Degree certificate etc) should be submitted to the secretariate of the screening committee, Old Conference Room, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Cabinet Office, 1 Wudil Road, Kano within two weeks of this advertisement.”

Why Kwankwaso deserves more accolades

By Najib Ahmad, PhD

We often hear people saying that ‘he [Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso] did it with the government funds.’ And so? Oh, you expect him to do it with his money; then, you will ponder whether he’s worthy of their gratitude. But, this is not how things have been done right from the inception.

If you read over the history of the previous great Muslim rulers like Umar Ibn Abdulaziz (61-101 AH), may Allah have mercy on him, you will realize the incredible impressions he left on people despite being a caliphate for a short period. But, it is known that all he had achieved and built weren’t from his funds. Still, he’s remembered and admired.

People often appreciate the history of how other nations developed, which primarily transpired through human development. But, for example, how do you think today’s China and Singapore got it right? Do you think they only wake up to all this in the morning? No, it was because some leaders decided to do it right and went on to create policies that enabled them to reach where they are today.

For instance, if you take China, they unconditionally relish Deng Xiaoping – the architect of modern China. While Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew is also highly recognized as the founder of modern Singapore, they constantly appropriate him for its development. During their time as leaders of developing nations, all they have accomplished weren’t with their funds but with the government funds.

Those leaders’ priorities then were primarily policies on education and the industrial revolution transformation. Sending students, including the peasant farmers’ children, to universities worldwide via scholarships was part of Mr Xiaoping’s most significant policies that China benefited from. His initiatives have matured into a whole system, i.e., the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and China Postdoctoral Science Fund. This remarkable initiative alone helps them strengthen their universities and vocational colleges with a quality workforce and, in turn, enables them to become the world’s industrial powerhouse.

Today, check all your household belongings to verify the above. Those two leaders are still relevant in China’s and Singapore’s present days. You can’t underestimate their significance no matter how you try due to the enormous opportunities and equal advantages they created for their people.

I understand your frustrations, which is why one person out of more than 12 million people of Kano is receiving too many accolades. First of all, it is their choice to appreciate him, mind you. This is because he means so much to them. The good thing is, you can’t deny them this satisfaction even if you try. So, why the resentment? Allow those that prefer to do what suits them to continue thanking and re-thanking him till the end of time, if that is their wish. What’s your problem with their choice, fisabilillahi?

Above all, the main thing to look at is that appreciating Kwankwaso’s effort doesn’t physically hurt you or anyone else or destroy any of our fundamental values. In fact, it is teaching people to learn to recognize good deeds and be thankful to whoever is responsible or part of their progress in life. Isn’t this a harmless mannerism to learn, emulate, and propagate?

Dr Najib Ahmad is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Shandong University, China. He can be contacted via namuhammad03@gmail.com.

TETFund should abolish foreign scholarships

By Abdelghaffar Abdelmalik Amoka

The presence of ETF and later TETFund became more visible after the suspension of the 2009 ASUU strike in October 2009, thanks to the ASUU strike. You enter the campus of some universities, especially the state government-owned universities and it appears as if TETFund is the only funder of the infrastructures in the universities. No wonder Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s NEEDS Assessment committee referred to them as “TETFund universities”.

The intervention from TETFund did not end on infrastructures and other physical projects but also on training. Quite a number of University academic staff obtained their PhD abroad, thanks to the TETFund Academic Staff Training and Development Intervention and ASUU. That ASUU’s achievement has increased the number of quality PhDs across the departments in our universities. About 6 colleagues in my department are beneficiaries of the TETFund PhD grant.

It did not stop at that. TETFund has also established research grants. The TETFund Institutional Based Research (IBR) grant for basic research and the TETFund National Research Fund for developmental research.

When TETFund announced the call for the 2016 National Research Fund (NRF) grant proposal submission, I got it forwarded to me by several people that knew I was passionately looking for research grants to set up my lab since my return from Europe to ABU in September 2015. I was excited with the call for proposals and I prepared my proposal and submitted it with others. It was well coordinated by the university, thanks to the efforts of Prof. Husseina Makun and the Directorate of Academic Planning and Monitoring of my university.

Not long after then, there was a change in the leadership of the agency and I never get to hear anything about that submission to date. My guess was that the usual Nigerian factor may have played a role and you possibly need to know somebody that knows another body that knows someone that can help facilitate it.

The call for the submission of a “concept note” for the 2019 NRF grant after your return did not excite me. I was informed by several people but I ignored it. I was like this is a repeat of what I called the “2016 call for grant proposal scam”. But few days to the expiration of the call, I decided to make a submission, after all the application doesn’t cost anything. It will only cost my time and effort. I was actually not expecting a response like it happened in 2016, but a few weeks later, you “shocked” me as I received an email requesting to submit the full proposal. I did, and a few weeks later I got an invitation to Abuja to defend the proposal. In January 2020, the grant award letter was issued.

That was the first very transparent exercise I have participated in in Nigeria in recent times. No personal contact. All correspondence was through email and you don’t have to wet anybody’s palm. Unbelievable! That exercise gave me a renewed hope that with responsible leadership, we can make every unit work as it should and the sum will make Nigeria work. Sir, you renewed my hope that Nigeria is going to work and we can regain the lost glory in academia.

TETFund is making a lot of impact in public universities even though some universities may not get the true value of the allocated funds due to several reasons including the possible manipulation of the procurement process. TETFund is also doing a lot to build research capacity in our universities and over the last 10 years, the number of quality PhDs has increased. But my worry is that these researchers may end up being more frustrated if they get back without the necessary research facilities and incentives to give back to the system.

The TETFund PhD training scheme is a train-the-trainers program but there seems to be no preparation to utilize the knowledge acquired by these scholars on their return. We seem to be just training without any provision for their return. The scholars were sent for training as researchers but returned to meet little or no improvement on research facilities. So, how do we intend to utilize these well-trained scholars that have returned?

Their research work seems not to be well coordinated, unlike the NRF grants. They are mostly not towards the critical needs of the country. Some of the scholars who have got no idea of what to work on may sometimes end up using our fund to implement the supervisor’s idea. The idea may not be something that is of very importance to our country. Going abroad for quality research in that state-of-the-art laboratory but on research that does not tend towards our national need and without adequate provision for their return will make them more frustrated on their return.

Quite a number of PhDs in our universities, colleges of education, and polytechnics trained over the last 10 years are TETFund Scholars. Thanks to the overseas training scheme. The question then is; What is the strategic plan for the scheme? How long is the scheme meant to last? When is it going to end? What are the exit plans?

A lesson from other countries.

During my PhD, I met a number of Malaysians doing PhD at the University of Southampton. One of those Malaysians was on 3 months research visit to the lab I did my PhD. They were all on a Malaysian government scholarship. They have all returned to their respective universities in Malaysia with well-established laboratories and access to funds for research. Most of the funds for PhD training are in Malaysian universities.

Malaysia now earn foreign exchange from international students, especially Nigeria students. These my colleagues and contemporaries in the UK universities are among the researchers/Lecturers training my Nigerian university colleagues that have gone to Malaysia to study. What is the difference between us and them? They return to a functional lab but we returned to an empty space and we are struggling to build a lab. Our situations are different because their training and return were well planned out. What are the plans for our trained colleagues?

It is possibly time to re-channel the funds for overseas scholarships to funded PhDs in our universities.

South Africa has National Research Foundation (NRF) that gives grants for research PhD training in South African universities. NRF is so well established that they are collaborating with DAAD in Germany for a funded PhD in South Africa. There is also the TWAS-NRF funded PhD but in South African university. We can take a lesson from that

The Research Council of Norway usually contributes 50% of research project funds while the other 50% is from industrial partners, but the condition on the government 50% is to train a PhD or postdoc in Norwegian university. Norwegian universities are tuition-free like Nigerian universities. The grant covers living costs, travel, conference attendance anywhere in the world, etc.

There is the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), that provides UK universities with grants – awarded through a competitive process – to cover the fees and living costs of postgraduate students. Each place a university offers as a result of this funding is called a studentship. Application for the studentship is done through the university you want to study.

These countries would not have being able to comfortably execute research and training without capacity building. We surely need capacity building scheme and TETFund and PTDF have done great in that respect. But the scheme should have a well-defined timeline. At the expiration of the timeline, the overseas scholarship should be converted to full national scholarships for the trained scholars to train PhDs in funded laboratories in our universities. Forex is already becoming a big challenge. The funds are then domicile here rather than shipping the fund out.

TETFund may need to produce a database of their scholars in the various tertiary institutions in Nigeria and even the ones that have refused to return to the country. There should also be a database for successfully completed TETFund NRF projects and their Principal Investigators. The TETFund Academic staff training and development intervention can then be converted to Nigeria’s university-based training. Scholars are only sent abroad for subjects that we lack expertise in Nigeria.

So what do we do?

We can adopt the German model. To get a DAAD-funded PhD training in Germany, you must first get a supervisor in a German university that is willing to work with you. With the consent of the supervisor, you can then apply and the application is endorsed by the supervisor.

In our case, the prospective TETFund PhD scholar will first get a supervisor from TETFund recognized researchers/Professors. Application is then made through the university and endorsed by the prospective supervisor. If the scholarship grant is like 20 million naira, for example, up to 10 million naira can be mandated for laboratory equipment, the rest will be used for living expenses for the scholar, International conference participation, purchase of consumables, etc.

You can imagine the value Dr. Mansurah Abdulazeez will add to the existing facilities for Cancer research in their Biotech lab in BUK if they are awarded the 20 million naira by TETFund to train 1 TETFund scholar each year for the next 10 years. That will be another investment of about 200 million naira in our university that would have being taking out.

Just a little effort and we got the Materials Physics Research lab. Imagine getting 10 TETfund scholars to train over the next 10 years in high voltage materials engineering and 50% (about 100 million naira) of the PhD grant is approved for research facilities. Unlike the PhD done abroad, the facilities procured during the PhD will remain in the Nigerian university for others to use after the PhD. Just imagine how the lab will be in the next few years.

I was at the Biotech lab at IAR, ABU Zaria last year, I saw the IAEA-funded research facilities, and I was like wow! Just imagine the steady growth of the lab, research output, and visibility if Prof Husseina Makun for example, gets the funded PhD scholars to work with instead of taking the money to universities abroad. We have quite a number of serious-minded researchers among senior colleagues across our university and a large number of bright and exposed early career researchers.

We have trained enough PhDs abroad over the last 15 years through PTDF, TETFund, NITDA, etc that are back and capable. Some of them are not doing badly even with all the challenges as they have been able to publish quality papers in indexed journals. I want to believe that we can give quality training to PhD scholars in Nigeria.

We have several challenges in Nigeria that the universities can develop solutions for. But personally funded PhDs cannot give that quality PhD research to achieve that. I advertised 2 research topics on my Facebook page recently and I got responses from prospective research students. But the question they were asking was; is it funded? Some of the people that responded are students that received their MSc abroad.

A timeline should be rolled out on when to end the overseas scholarships and focus on using the fund meant for that to further develop the research capacity of our universities to make them attractive to foreign students. It is time to keep the money at home to develop our research and development capacity and use PhD programs to find solutions to our numerous problems.

Abdelghaffar Abdelmalik Amoka