The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved over N967 million for the payment of registration fees for indigenous students studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abdullahi-Tunga, commended the governor’s decision, describing it as a testament to his commitment to mentoring youths for future leadership roles.
Abdullahi-Tunga announced the approval during a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, where he stated that 20,908 Kebbi State students in 36 tertiary institutions across the country would benefit from the sponsorship.
He pointed out the governor’s vision to transform higher education in the state and ensure that youths benefit from the current political dispensation.
“In view of the above and in line with His Excellency’s vision and mission of transforming higher education in the state, and his determination to ensure that the youths benefit in the agenda of the current political dispensation by sponsoring students within and outside the country for the educational development of the state, His Excellency has, therefore, graciously approved the sum of N967,685,854 million being fees for the 20,908 students for the year 2022/2023 academic session.”
The Commissioner stated that such generosity would lay a solid foundation for youths, contributing to the emergence of a new era of leadership.
He, however, expressed concern over the sponsorship of students sent overseas to study courses that are presently available in Nigeria.
He suggested that students should only be sent overseas to study courses that are not readily available in Nigerian universities, stating that there was no wisdom in sponsoring students to go outside and read courses that are available in the country.