Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has said his administration has expended N900 million to sponsor 41 indigent students to study 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 Egypt by his government.
The event, which was held at the Banquet Hall of the state Government House, was 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 behaviour while abroad, warning that the state government would not hesitate to replace any student found wanting with a more competent candidate.
Radda emphasised his administration’s commitment to supporting talented indigenous students,He said: “Our unique foreign scholarship initiative is aimed at ensuring 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.”
The governor 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.
