Seventy beneficiaries of the foreign postgraduate scholarship program initiated by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin recently departed the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Sunday for India, where they will study artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other disciplines.
The scholarship, facilitated through the Barau I. Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), selected students from the three senatorial districts of Kano State for its inaugural batch. At the airport, the Deputy Senate President spent over an hour engaging with the excited scholars, who expressed their gratitude and pledged to represent the country positively. As they boarded an Ethiopian Airlines flight, the students assured him of their determination to make him proud.
Remarks From The Senator
Senator Barau, while addressing the beneficiaries, emphasised that the initiative was part of his commitment to tackling challenges in the nation’s education sector. He urged the students to be exemplary ambassadors of the country, remain dedicated to their studies, and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that all necessary provisions had been made to create a conducive learning environment, encouraging them to make the nation proud by achieving outstanding results.
Senator Barau expressed his admiration for the students’ dedication and stated his confidence in their potential to excel in their respective fields after graduation. He highlighted that this initiative is part of his efforts to address educational gaps and accelerate Nigeria’s development. Recognising that human capital is the most valuable asset globally, the senator emphasised the importance of investing in Nigerian youths, who he described as the nation’s greatest resource.
He acknowledged the critical role of education in national development and affirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts by providing educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. The senator also assured the students of his continued support upon their return to ensure their success, emphasising a comprehensive approach to education and empowerment.
Out of deep passion for the project, Senator Barau made it a point to personally bid the students farewell, offering them encouragement and fatherly support. He noted that the students have been admitted to top-tier universities, including reputable national institutions, and expressed optimism that they will return as first-class scholars by God’s grace.
