Ibrahim Masari Awards ₦500,000 Scholarships to Katsina Medical Students, Pledges Expansion to Other Courses
Over 300 students benefit from education support scheme at Bayero University, Kano
The Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, Honourable Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, has awarded scholarships to more than 300 indigenes of Katsina State studying medicine and other health-related courses in universities across Nigeria, as part of efforts to promote access to higher education and ease the financial burden on students and their families.
At a scholarship presentation ceremony held at the Mahmud Tukur Theatre, Old Campus, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), selected beneficiaries received ₦500,000 each, while all students present at the venue were given ₦100,000 each.
Masari also announced plans to expand the scholarship scheme in the next academic session to accommodate students studying other disciplines, thereby extending the intervention to more Katsina State indigenes pursuing higher education.
The initiative was inspired by the plight of a young girl who lost her father and faced financial difficulties that threatened her education. Moved by her circumstances, Masari extended his support to other students facing similar challenges.
Speaking at the event, Masari said the intervention was driven by his commitment to helping the less privileged and supporting individuals confronted by difficult circumstances.
Drawing inspiration from the Holy Qur’an, he underscored the importance of assisting those in need and urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies, become productive members of society and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He reiterated his intention to broaden the programme in the coming academic session, stressing the need to extend educational opportunities to students across different fields of study.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engineer Muttaqa Rabe Darma, commended Masari for his philanthropic activities, describing him as a blessing to the people of Katsina State and Nigeria.
Darma said the intervention would help disadvantaged students overcome financial barriers and pursue their academic ambitions. He also called on other well-meaning individuals to invest in education and initiatives that promote human development.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, praised Masari for the initiative.
Tsauni described the scholarship scheme as a timely intervention that would ease students’ financial difficulties and enable them to concentrate on their academic pursuits.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among universities, philanthropists and other stakeholders to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent capable students from completing their education, particularly in critical fields such as medicine and other health-related disciplines.
According to him, support from individuals and organisations can complement government and institutional efforts to widen access to higher education, strengthen human capital development and prepare young people for meaningful contributions to society.
Some beneficiaries reportedly broke into tears of joy as they expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing the financial assistance as significant relief for themselves and their families.
They prayed for Masari and expressed hope that they would one day attain positions where they could extend similar support to other people in need.
The scholarship programme is expected to ease the financial burden on beneficiaries and their families while contributing to the development of skilled professionals for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Lamara Garba Azare, MNIPR, Director of Public Affairs, Bayero University, Kano.