From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Chairman of Buji Local Government council in Jigawa State, Arch. Najibullah Falalu Tukur, has awarded scholarships to 426 indigent students admitted into various tertiary institutions within and outside the state.
Speaking to news men, Tukur said the initiative was executed under the Matawalle Students Care Programme and covered registration fees amounting to ₦47.9 million for 355 newly admitted students.
He explained that the beneficiaries were brilliant but less privileged students who excelled in their SSCE examinations—NECO and WAEC—and met the JAMB entry requirements.
According to him, the students secured admission into universities, polytechnics, health institutions, and colleges of education across the country.
He disclosed that “113 students gained admission into three universities—50 each at Federal University Dutse (FUD) and Sule Lamido University (SLU), Kafin-Hausa, and 13 at Khadija University, Majia with ₦11.05 million paid for their registration”.
Tukur further revealed that:
₦12.4 million was expended on registration for 182 students at the College of Education, Jama’are and Azare in Bauchi State.
He said “35 students were sponsored at the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jahun and Gwaram at a cost of ₦3.19 million and 20 Buji indigenes admitted into the Jigawa State College of Information and Communication Technology, Kazaure, received sponsorship worth ₦6.732 million”.
On returning students under the same programme, the chairman said ₦13.4 million was spent on 77 undergraduates in different institutions.
He added that the council paid ₦700,000 as examination fees for five students at the Nigerian Navy school, and ₦300,000 for hostel accommodation at ALU College, Birnin Kudu.
Tukur described the intervention as unprecedented in the history of the council, stressing that it was achieved within his first year in office.
“This is in line with our commitment to human capital development, in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, in fulfillment of our campaign promises,” he said.
The council boss urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, noting that they are the future leaders of the local government, the state, and the nation.
