The Kebbi State Government has secured admission for 35 indigenes to study Medicine at the Pioneer University of Science in Ethiopia, as part of its efforts to strengthen healthcare manpower in the state.
The fully funded six-year programme, approved by the Education & Training Authority (ETA) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, will train the beneficiaries to become qualified medical doctors upon completion.
Speaking during the screening exercise, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Architect Muhammad Sani Aliyu, said the candidates were carefully selected from across the 21 Local Government Areas after undergoing a rigorous assessment based on criteria set by Ethiopian authorities.
He commended Governor Nasir Idris for prioritising the training, development, and future employment of medical personnel, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the state’s healthcare sector.
According to the Commissioner, although the Ethiopian university initially offered five free slots, Governor Idris approved the sponsorship of an additional 30 students, raising the total to 35. He expressed optimism that, in the near future, Kebbi State will not only meet its medical workforce needs but also contribute significantly to Nigeria’s pool of qualified doctors.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Engr. Imrana Usman, highlighted the Governor’s generosity and reaffirmed that all selected candidates excelled academically, with strong performances in their 2024 WAEC examinations forming a major part of the evaluation process.
He added that the programme is fully sponsored by Governor Idris and that the students are expected to depart for Ethiopia later this month to begin their studies.
Engr. Imrana expressed gratitude to the Governor for offering children from less-privileged backgrounds the opportunity to access quality education abroad, describing the initiative as transformative and inclusive.
