The Kebbi State Government has approved and released a total of N714.98 million to support the overseas education and training of indigene students.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the approvals were part of Governor Nasir Idris’ efforts to reposition tertiary education in the state and align it with global standards.
According to him, N247.5 million was approved for registration, tuition, visa extension, internship and other financial support for Kebbi indigenes studying Medicine, Pharmacy, and Medical and Allied Sciences at Subharti University, GD Goenka University and Jaipur National University in India.
Abubakar-Tunga also said N117.68 million was released as upkeep allowances for 25 Kebbi indigenes studying Medicine across seven universities in Egypt.
He added that N70.21 million was approved as financial assistance for indigenes studying Pharmacy and Medical and Allied Sciences at Jaipur National University and GD Goenka University in India.
The commissioner further revealed that N349.73 million was released for registration, tuition and upkeep allowances for 35 Kebbi indigenes proceeding to Ethiopia to study Medicine and Pharmacy.
He noted that all the approvals were granted in January, bringing the governor’s total financial commitment to the ministry within the period to N714.98 million.
Abubakar-Tunga also announced the appointment of Dr Muhammed Murtala-Musa as the pioneer Provost of Kauran Gwandu College of Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa.
He assured that the ministry would continue to support the governor’s education development initiatives in the state.