The fifth batch of 50 graduates, out of the 1,100 indigenous students that graduated with first-class and sponsored by Kano state government to study abroad, have been airlifted to India for their Masters Degree programmes in various disciplines.
The beneficiaries departed Malam Aminu Kano International Airport for Lagos aboard Max Air aircraft at exactly 7:30am on Friday at the presence of Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Kofarmata and other government officials.
From Lagos, they would be airlifted to India aboard Air Peace at 2:00 pm.
Speaking immediately after the take off, Dr Kofarmata said the departure of the fifth batch is in continuation of the government’s commitment towards implementation of 1,100 postgraduate scholarship programme for 2023/2024.
He said the beneficiaries, when arrived in India, would be taken to various universities including Sharda, Symbiosis, Mewar, Sri Sai, Swarnnim and Kalinga for commencement of their Masters Degree programmes in different discipline.
Dr Kofarmata noted that the students are first class graduate who were meriteriously selected based on their performance in undergraduate.
The Commissioner explained that the beneficiaries would study in internationally competitive areas of professionalism 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.
The Commissioner stated that information received by the state government is that the beneficiaries had already commenced their academic programmes and are faring in their various disciplines.
He also disclosed that about 30 of the beneficiaries, considering their academic performance, had already been engaged by the institutions they are studying in as casual staff before their graduation.
He said the beneficiaries also praised governor Yusuf for his for the gesture and fulfilment of his campaign promises to revive the policy introduced by the former governor, Senator Rabi’u Musa 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.
