Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Kebbi State Government has taken a decisive step to expand educational opportunities for underprivileged youths by sponsoring 35 indigent students to study medicine and pharmacy abroad. The initiative, announced at a farewell ceremony held on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, underscores the state’s commitment to human capital development and equitable access to higher education for students from less-privileged backgrounds.
Governor Dr. Nasir Idris, speaking at the Government House during the send-off event, reiterated that his administration seeks to dismantle barriers that have historically limited access to quality education for poor but academically talented students in the state. He stressed that past foreign scholarship programmes were often dominated by children from more affluent families, a trend his government intends to reverse by prioritising merit and need in the selection process.
The 35 beneficiaries have been awarded full scholarships to pursue specialised programmes in medicine and pharmacy at a reputable institution in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. According to the state’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, all tuition fees, allowances and related study costs have been fully settled by the state government as part of the comprehensive support package for the students.
Officials emphasised that the selection of the students followed a rigorous screening process to identify qualified applicants from disadvantaged communities across Kebbi State. As part of his address to the students, Governor Idris urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies, and reassured them of ongoing support from the state throughout their academic journey.
The sponsorship initiative is aligned with broader efforts by the Kebbi State Government to develop its workforce in critical sectors, particularly healthcare. By enabling indigent students to obtain professional qualifications in medicine and pharmacy, the state administration aims to address gaps in local healthcare services and build a cadre of skilled practitioners who can contribute to improved health outcomes at home.
In addition to the current group of students bound for Ethiopia, the state has also made significant investments in the education of other indigent students abroad. In early February 2026, the government approved and released approximately N349.73 million to cover the registration, tuition and upkeep for these 35 students proceeding to Ethiopia. This funding forms part of a larger N714.98 million disbursement approved to support students studying in various foreign universities, including those in India and Egypt.
The broader investment reflects Governor Idris’ strategic focus on elevating the state’s educational profile and aligning its tertiary education with global standards. The funds released by the government are intended to cover comprehensive costs such as registration fees, tuition, living allowances, visa extensions and internship expenses. According to Commissioner Tunga, the support extends beyond the current cohort in Ethiopia to include students training in Subharti and GD Goenka Universities in India, as well as several institutions in Egypt.
Government officials and education advocates have praised the initiative, noting that it not only opens pathways for individual advancement but also contributes to the state’s long-term socioeconomic development. By prioritising students from poor backgrounds, the programme aims to break cycles of educational exclusion and reinvest in communities that have historically lacked access to international study opportunities.
Commentators have also highlighted the symbolic significance of the programme. In a region where financial constraints often limit youth access to tertiary education, the Kebbi State model underscores the potential of state-led interventions to bridge equity gaps. The investment in foreign education is expected to have multiplier effects, as graduates return with advanced skills and knowledge that can benefit local health systems and serve broader public needs.
Looking ahead, Governor Idris indicated that the state plans to expand similar opportunities to other categories of disadvantaged youths, including scholarships for specialised technical fields such as aircraft piloting and engineering. This signals a broader agenda to diversify Kebbi’s human capital base and equip young people with skills relevant to both local and global job markets.
Parents and community leaders have expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, emphasising the transformative impact it will have on the lives of the beneficiaries and their families. Many view the initiative as a generational investment that will elevate educational aspirations and create new role models within the state.
In summarising the government’s vision, Commissioner Tunga reaffirmed that the scholarship programme is part of an enduring commitment to reposition higher education in Kebbi State, strengthen its quality and ensure that talented students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have opportunities to excel on the international stage.
The departure of the students to Ethiopia drew applause from officials and attendees at the ceremony, marking a significant milestone in Kebbi State’s educational development efforts. As they embark on their medical and pharmacy studies, the sponsored students carry the hopes of their communities and the wider aspiration of building a new generation of health professionals from Kebbi.
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