The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has clarified that the state government did not offer scholarships to any of its students studying in public schools in the country throughout the past four years.
Right from the 2012 academic session, thousands of bonafide Kano students whose bursaries now run into billions of Naira have not been settled by the immediate past administration in the state, but the governor stressed that his administration is doing all it can to ensure that the students are paid as soon as possible.
This was contained in a statement issued at the weekend by the Director-General, Media and Communications, Government House, Kano, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, which reports Ganduje as stating this while receiving the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II , during the traditional Hawan Nassarawa homage to mark the end of Ramadan fast, at the Government House in Kano.
He further stated that his government inherited huge liability of unpaid bursaries and other fees, on students from the state in overseas institutions, assuring that efforts are being made to settle the debt gradually, so that their academic pursuit is not disrupted.
The governor, however, advised that in view of the present financial position of the state government, parents whose children are studying abroad should endeavor to assist their children within limits of their means, assuring that the government would continue to make determined efforts to revive its bursary scheme.
In a bid to widen access to education and to ensure a well-informed society, Ganduje explained that his administration introduced Education Promotion Committees at state and local government levels, pointing out that because of this initiative, community participation in reviving education at public schools is so far encouraging.
While stressing that his administration is committed to transforming the state by revolutionizing Internally Generated Revenue as well as making huge investments in infrastructure, agriculture, health, job creation and sanitation, despite financial challenges, he called for the continued support of the people to attain maximum success.
On his part, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, who acknowledged the achievements of the government, despite the present economic situation in the country, stressed the need for public enlightenment on the need to support the administration to achieve its mission and vision.
He also reminded the well to do in the society to assist the needy especially in the prevailing difficult times, to attain Allah’s pleasure, and stressed the need for youth to take advantage of the government numerous skills acquisition programmes to improve their lot.
The Emir also urged the people to place more premium on education, especially girl-child education, in view of its importance, adding that they should also be mindful of the sanitation of their environment, to avoid outbreak of diseases.
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