Malam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, the Minister of Environment, has awarded scholarships to 450 indigent students from Kaduna State as part of the “Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal Needs-Based Scholarship Initiative.” This initiative aims to provide financial support to students pursuing tertiary education across Nigeria, alleviating the financial burdens many face.
A Commitment to Education and Empowerment
During a virtual presentation ceremony held in Kaduna on Monday, the minister expressed his unwavering commitment to improving education in the state. He highlighted that the scholarships were awarded based on financial need and academic performance, ensuring that the support reaches the students who need it the most.
“This initiative demonstrates my dedication to assisting disadvantaged students in our state,” Malam Abbas-Lawal said, emphasizing his goal of fostering education and providing equal opportunities for all.
A Landmark Initiative
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Muhammad Bello, praised the minister for this unprecedented gesture, calling it a landmark initiative in the state’s history. He encouraged other public officers and wealthy individuals to take similar actions, further supporting students in need.
Rigorous Selection Process
Halilu Hassan, Chairman of the Selection Committee, explained that the selection process involved screening over 4,000 applicants to identify the 450 deserving recipients. The scholarship payments were made directly to the students’ institutions via Remita and bank transfers, ensuring transparency and proper allocation of funds.
Supporting Future Aspirations
In addition to the scholarships, the minister is also sponsoring over 1,000 secondary school students for the 2025 UTME/JAMB exams, demonstrating his broader commitment to education in the state.
Grateful beneficiaries, such as Shagaya Benjamin Maikori from Ahmadu Bello University and Sim Catherine Emmanuel from Kaduna Polytechnic, expressed their sincere appreciation for the support, acknowledging that the scholarships will play a pivotal role in achieving their educational and career goals.
Malam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the need for collective efforts to support underprivileged students. His dedication to improving access to education is setting an example for others to follow, ensuring that more students can achieve their aspirations despite financial challenges.
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