Honourable Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, has awarded scholarships to more than 300 indigenes of Katsina State studying medicine and other health-related courses in universities across Nigeria.
The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on students and their families, with plans to extend the scholarship scheme to other disciplines in the next academic session.
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At the scholarship presentation held at the Mahmud Tukur Theatre, Old Campus, Bayero University, Kano, selected beneficiaries received ₦500,000 each, while all students present at the venue were given ₦100,000 each.
Masari said the initiative was inspired by the plight of a young girl who lost her father and faced financial difficulties that threatened her education.
He explained that her circumstances motivated him to extend the intervention to other students from Katsina State who needed financial assistance to pursue their academic ambitions.
Drawing inspiration from the Holy Qur’an, Masari emphasised the importance of helping the needy and supporting people facing difficult circumstances.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies, become productive members of society and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engineer Muttaqa Rabe Darma, commended Masari for his philanthropic activities, describing him as a God-given individual to the people of Katsina State and Nigeria.
Darma said the scholarship would help disadvantaged students overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational goals, while calling on other well-meaning individuals to support initiatives that promote education and human development.
The Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Professor Haruna Musa, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni, also praised Masari for the intervention.
Professor Tsauni described the initiative as timely, noting that partnerships between universities, philanthropists and other stakeholders were essential to ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent capable students from completing their education.
He said such support could complement government and institutional efforts to expand access to higher education, strengthen human capital development and prepare young people for meaningful contributions to society, particularly in critical fields such as medicine and healthcare.
Some beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude, with some unable to hold back tears as they spoke with reporters.
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They described the scholarship as significant financial relief that would enable them to concentrate on their studies, while praying for Masari and expressing hope that they would one day be able to extend similar assistance to others in need.
The initiative is expected to ease the financial challenges facing the beneficiaries and their families while supporting the development of skilled professionals for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.