The fourth batch of 150 Kano State sponsored scholars has been airlifted to India for their Master’s Degree programmes in various disciplines.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the scholars are part of the 1,001 indigenous students that graduated with first-class in their first degrees who are sponsored by Kano state government to study abroad.
The aircraft, carrying the beneficiaries, departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 7:30am on Friday at the presence of Commissioner for Higher Education, Yusuf Kofarmata, and other government officials.
The flight would then land in Lagos for onward journey to India.
Speaking shortly after the take-off of the flight, Mr Kofarmata said the departure of the fourth batch is in continuation of the government’s commitment towards implementation of 1,001 postgraduate scholarship programme for 2023/2024.
According to him, the beneficiaries, when arrived in India, would be taken to various universities for commencement of their Master’s Degree programmes.
Mr Kofarmata noted that the students are first-class graduates who were selected based on their performance in their undergraduate programs.
The commissioner explained that the beneficiaries would study in internationally competitive areas to bridge the manpower gap in the state and across the nation.
“A total of 550 students are the first batch who are going to eight reputable universities to study in internationally competitive areas of professionalism to bridge the manpower gap in the state and across the nation.
“The students are also expected to acquire experience, skills, and knowledge with the view to revamp the state commercial status and explore other potential for socio-economic development,” he said.
He recalled that the first batch, comprising 140 students departed to India immediately after the flag-off ceremony of the programme on October 20, while in the second batch of 33 graduates were airlifted to study in Islamic University, Uganda on October 20.
He said the airlifts of the graduates to study Master’s Degree programmes in various universities abroad was in fulfillment of the campaign promises of governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the state.
The beneficiaries also commended Governor Abba Yusuf for the gesture and fulfilment of his campaign promises to revive the policy introduced by the former Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
“As you can see the beneficiaries, their parents, well-wishers, and other good people of the state are joyously celebrating the policy and continue praying for the success of the government in discharging its duties to the state,” the Commissioner said.
