Approximately 194 medical students, sponsored by the state government of Jigawa, have embarked on a new journey to complete their studies in Northern Cyprus and India. These students were previously studying in the Republic of Sudan before being evacuated due to the civil war there.
Saidu Magaji, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Scholarship Board, confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been finalized for their flights to these countries. The students, comprising 110 females and 74 males, will be pursuing various medical and related fields, including Artificial Intelligence and Pharmacy.
After securing admission for the students, the state government has invested heavily in their education, spending around N2.3 billion on tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, and other expenses for those heading to the Near East University Cyprus. An additional N102.1 million has been allocated for the students attending Integral University in India.
In return for this investment, the state government has mandated each student to sign a bond committing to return after their studies and serve the state for a period ranging from two to five years, depending on individual agreements. This move aims to ensure that the state benefits from the skills and expertise acquired by the students, who will be required to serve the state after completing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
The students expressed their gratitude to the government and people of Jigawa for giving them a second chance to continue their education. Despite the challenges they faced in Sudan, they are now eager to resume their studies and contribute to the state’s development upon their return.
This initiative not only highlights the state’s commitment to education but also underscores its efforts to support its citizens in pursuing higher education opportunities globally.
