The Jigawa State Government has spent N4 billion to relocate 195 students from war-torn Sudan to India and Cyprus, ensuring their education continued smoothly despite the civil unrest.
Many of these students, studying medical sciences, have now graduated with outstanding results.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, Saidu Magaji, on Tuesday during a reception in Dutse for six of the students who had completed their studies in India and returned home.
Magaji revealed that of the 10 students who relocated to India, six had successfully graduated, with four earning first-class honours in Bachelor of Nursing Science.
“When the war broke out in Sudan, the state government acted swiftly to evacuate 195 students. Upon their arrival in Abuja, the government decided against transporting them to Jigawa by road due to the trauma they had experienced.
Instead, an aircraft was chartered to fly them directly to Jigawa Airport, where they were provided transport fares to their homes,” Magaji said.
He further explained that, under the 12-point Human Agenda of Governor Umar Namadi, the Scholarship Board secured admissions for students in various institutions.
Out of the 195 evacuated students, 185 were placed at Near East University in Cyprus. Recently, each student received N4.5 million to cover their residence permits, health insurance, and living expenses.
Magaji added that 10 students were sent to Integral University in India. Of these, four are still pursuing their studies, with three studying Doctor of Pharmacy and one studying Civil Engineering.
The six students who have returned graduated with degrees in Nursing Science and Industrial Chemistry, with four of them achieving first-class honours.
He noted, “We approved N4 billion for living allowances, tuition fees, residence permits, and other financial needs. We have also signed a bond with the students to serve in Jigawa for a period after completing their studies, including the 185 students currently in Cyprus.”
One of the graduates, Aisha Muhammad, who earned a first-class degree in Bachelor of Nursing Science, expressed her gratitude, saying, “After the trauma we experienced in Sudan, we have now successfully completed our studies. I am ready to serve my state like never before.
