No fewer than 31,711 Katsina State indigenes have benefited from the scholarship programme of Sen. Yakubu Lado-DanMarke between 2023 and 2026.
A group of beneficiaries from various institutions, under the Lado Scholar Forum, led by Saratu Lawal, disclosed this at a news conference in Katsina on Sunday.
The Newsmen report that Lado-DanMarke is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Lawal, a student of Umaru Musa Yar’adu’a University, Katsina, said records show that the foundation disbursed N700,232,987 in educational support for students during the period.
She added that the scholarship covered students in full-time, part-time, distance learning, and vocational training programmes.
The leader of the group, described the initiative as a major contribution to educational development in the state, particularly amid rising tuition fees and other academic expenses.
On behalf of the students, Lawal commended Lado-DanMarke for establishing the foundation and sustaining support for students from less privileged backgrounds.
She appealed to wealthy individuals, corporate organisations, and serving and former public office holders in the state to emulate the initiative by supporting education through similar scholarship schemes.
Lado-DanMarke also urged stakeholders to assist students facing transportation and other challenges in tertiary institutions across the state.
According to her, increased support for education would improve access to learning opportunities and contribute to the development of the state and the country at large.