From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The National Union of Kebbi State Students (NUKESS) has commended the State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, for the education reform his administration has embarked upon, as well as the prompt payment of school fees for their members studying at various foreign universities.
The National President of the Union, Isah Suleiman Libata, stated this while addressing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi alongside his executive and members of the union.
According to him, “With unmatched dedication to the welfare of Kebbi State students and the transformation of the educational sector, His Excellency has just started a new year with the approval of the sum of 585,416,690.00 to support indigenous Kebbi State students in the diaspora at Subharti University, GD Goenka University and Kalinga University, India.
“This landmark decision underscores his profound commitment to ensuring that education remains a cornerstone of development in Kebbi State.
“To mention but a few of His Excellency’s unprecedented contributions to education. This approval is part of a larger narrative of unwavering support for Kebbi State students, marked by numerous transformative actions taken by His Excellency since the inception of Governor Nasir Idris’s administration on 29th May 2023.”
Libata noted that Governor Idris had approved the domestic scholarship for indigenous students of Kebbi State.
He said: “In 2024, His Excellency approved over 967,000,000.00 for all Kebbi State students across tertiary institutions within the country. This initiative declared education entirely free for Kebbi State students from various institutions of higher learning, which include universities, polytechnics, colleges, and others.
“On the support for basic primary and secondary school students: His Excellency has once again declared free education in the state by continuing to support primary and secondary school students through the provision of infrastructure, modern learning materials, and the payment of WAEC and NECO fees for SS3 students.
“When our female students studying in India under a non-governmental organization’s scholarship found themselves stranded due to funding challenges, His Excellency swiftly stepped in to support their education by approving funds that covered their tuition fees, upkeep, and other expenses.
“In his words, ‘Regardless of any differences, they are from my state, and I can’t stand by and watch them when they need my help. This is not a period of politics but a period of governance, and leadership embodies the spirit of inclusivity, not segregation or marginalisation.’”
Libata also said that the present administration has continued to pay the school fees of Kebbi State students studying in foreign universities, including those in Indian and Egyptian universities.
“To my fellow Kebbi State students, these monumental investments are a call to action. Let us embrace this opportunity with renewed dedication and a commitment to excellence. His Excellency, Dr. Nasir Idris, has not only invested in the education of Kebbi State students but has also set a standard of governance that prioritises human capital development. His actions embody true leadership, driven by compassion, vision, and a relentless pursuit of progress.
“We, the National Union of Kebbi State Students (NUKESS) and the entire Kebbi State students’ community, are immensely proud and deeply grateful for His Excellency’s support.”