Over 21,000 students get scholarship awards in Jigawa
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
In a boost to education in Jigawa State, over 21,000 students have been awarded scholarships to support their academic pursuits at various universities, colleges, and institutions across Nigeria and abroad.
This was revealed by the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Scholarship Board, Malam Saidu Magaji, in an exclusive interview with newsmen at his office in Dutse.
Magaji confirmed that the scholarship initiative is part of the Jigawa State Government’s broader 12-point agenda to enhance human capital development and create more educational opportunities for its citizens.
Magaji explained that the Jigawa State Government has worked diligently to strengthen the scholarship program, which is now one of the most robust in the country.
Through partnerships with 19 universities across the country and beyond, the state government is helping students pursue their academic dreams. These universities, he noted, have pledged to support Jigawa State students with free scholarships to encourage their academic growth.
Magaji confirmed that the state government has also significantly increased the allowance provided to beneficiaries. Students who previously received N29,000 as part of their scholarship award are now receiving an enhanced amount of N82,000 per student.
The Jigawa State Government has also made significant financial commitments to ensure the success of the program.
In the 2024 scholarship cycle alone, the state spent over N573.5 million to cover the costs of students studying at prestigious institutions such as the Federal University Dutse (FUD) and Bayero University Kano.
Magaji noted that Jigawa State has now risen to the second position in the country for providing scholarships to students, with Kano State holding the top spot.
The scholarship awards have not only benefited students from mainstream institutions, but also those with disabilities.
Magaji emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all Jigawa indigenes, regardless of their physical challenges.
Special provisions were made for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the same level of support as their peers.
Among the recipients, 1,221 students across various higher institutions, including Wudil University of Technology, Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, and the School of Management Studies in Kano, received scholarships amounting to N113.7 million.
Magaji further disclosed that the Jigawa State Government is not leaving any stone unturned.
Scholarship awards were also extended to students in institutions like the College of Education in Gumel, Ringim College of Education, Bilyaminu Usman College of Agriculture, Sule Lamido University, and Jigawa State Polytechnic. In total, 14,000 students from these institutions are set to benefit from a total of N625.24 million in scholarship payments.
