By Jemilu Hassan
Governor Mai Mala Buni, through his Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, expressed his pride in the graduates, stating that they would make significant contributions to strengthening the state’s health and other critical sectors. The scholarship initiative, launched in 2020, was a deliberate effort by the Buni administration to enhance the skills of Yobe’s youth in specialized fields, thereby enhancing the state’s human capital.
A total of 233 students were sent to various Indian universities to pursue studies in fields such as medical laboratory science, pharmacy, radiology, physiotherapy, optometry, computer science, and engineering. This strategic investment in the youth is expected to address the state’s critical human resource needs and drive development in key sectors.
During the graduation ceremony, held in five different Indian universities, Governor Buni, represented by the Speaker of the Yobe House of Assembly, Buba Mashio, commended the students for their hard work and success. The governor’s presence at the ceremony underscored the importance the state government attaches to education and the development of its youth.
According to Mohammed, the breakdown of the graduates includes 58 students from GD Goenka University, 73 from Integral University, 22 from Kalinga University, and one from PP Savani University. Additionally, 24 other students are continuing their education at PP Savani University, while 10 state-sponsored students are at DIT University, 13 at VGU University, and another 13 at Glocal University.
The impact of the program has been remarkable, with the number of optometrists and pharmacists trained and sponsored by the state increasing by over 400% in the last four years, compared to the figures since the state’s creation in 1991. This significant increase is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in addressing the state’s human resource needs.
Governor Buni congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to be diligent in their professional duties wherever they are employed. He emphasized the importance of using their acquired skills to contribute to the development of the state and the country at large.
The Nigerian High Commission in India also praised the Yobe scholarship program for its positive contributions to the state’s development. The commission’s endorsement is a recognition of the program’s success and its potential to serve as a model for other states in Nigeria.
The graduation of these 167 students marks a significant milestone in the Yobe State Government’s efforts to invest in its youth and drive development through education. As the graduates return to Nigeria, they are expected to play a critical role in shaping the state’s future and driving progress in various sectors.