Kano State Government Urged to Prioritize Local Scholarships

The Kano State Government has been called upon to prioritize local scholarships for students studying in Nigerian institutions. While the government's foreign scholarship program for postgraduate studies has been beneficial, there is a growing need to support local students who are struggling to fund their education amidst the country's economic challenges.

Since the 2019/2020 academic year, there has been a noticeable gap in the distribution of local scholarships in Kano State. Despite the state government's efforts to support education, including paying the fees of students affected by tuition hikes at federal universities, students from state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have been excluded from these initiatives.

The Kano State Government Scholarship Program is a fully funded undergraduate scholarship that covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other academic expenses.² However, the program's focus on foreign scholarships has left local students in need of support.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been urged to reconsider the state's scholarship policy and prioritize local students. By doing so, the government can provide a lifeline to students who are struggling to complete their education and contribute meaningfully to the state's development.

Other states, such as Katsina, Jigawa, Borno, and Kaduna, have successfully implemented local scholarship programs to support students studying in Nigerian institutions. The Kano State Government can draw inspiration from these examples and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive education system for its citizens.