In his effort to enhance educational standards and support vulnerable families, former governor of Zamfara State and current senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, has launched a scholarship program aimed at sponsoring 1,700 students to pursue higher education in various Nigerian universities.
This was revealed by senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura during a press conference in Gusau for proper take off of the committee’s activities as assigned by the Senator Abdulaziz Yari, saying the exercise is going to be apolitical.
According to him, the “Senator A. A. Yari Scholarship Initiative” is designed to assist children from needy families who cannot afford university education. “This initiative complements Senator Yari’s other humanitarian efforts, including the distribution of palliative care, Sallah packages, and agricultural support.” He stated.
He noted that the scholarship initiative will provide full funding for 1,700 indigent and orphan youths from Zamfara State. It will cover tuition fees, accommodation, learning materials, and a monthly stipend for upkeep.
“The scholarship is intended for students who have either gained admission or meet the admission requirements for public universities. Preference will be given to universities within Zamfara and neighboring states.” He explained
Senator Yari has constituted a committee to oversee the execution of this initiative, chaired by Sen. Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, (Tafidan K/Namoda). The committee includes notable members such as Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad Birnin Magaji; Prof Sha’aya Mafara, Dr. Aminu Abubakar Tsafe, Hon. Barr. Muhammad Sani Takori, Prof. Tukur Adamu, Hon. Umar Jibo Bukkuyum, Hon Ibrahim Dan Malikin Gidan Goga and others.
The scholarship beneficiaries will be selected from the 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State. “The six LGAs of Zamfara West, represented by Senator Yari, will each have 150 beneficiaries, while the remaining eight LGAs of Zamfara North and Zamfara Central will have 100 beneficiaries each.” Sen. Kaura added.
Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura further said the scholarship program will commence with the 2024/2025 academic session and will continue for the duration of the beneficiaries’ degree programs, whether they are four, five, or six years long. The initiative will not accept new applicants until the current batch has graduated.
Local Government Coordinators have been appointed from the committee members to facilitate the selection and screening of beneficiaries in each LGA. These coordinators include Hon. Engr Babangida Abdullahi for Gusau, Sen. Tijjani Y. Kaura for Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi, and others for the remaining areas.
