By Usman Usman Garba
Kano State Government has commenced a 9-day extensive orientation programme for 50 students awarded a scholarship by the Al-Azhar University of Egypt.
The administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the management of Al-Azhar University during which the University awarded a free scholarship programme to 50 Kano students to study Arabic law courses.
Addressing the participants during the orientation programme taking place at Government Girls College, Kano, the State Commissioner of Education Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa stated that at the end of the orientation exercise, 80 students from Islamiyya Schools across the 44 local government areas of the state would sit for an examination after which the best 50 among them would be considered qualified for the scholarship.
Umar Duguwa explained that professional teachers were assigned to conduct the orientation exercise, adding that 5 Ulamas were also invited to deliver lectures to the students to make them well-prepared for the journey ahead.
“I want to assure you that the present administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf will do everything possible to make you feel comfortable while pursuing your studies. We are going to explore more opportunities that will provide access to quality education for our students,” said Doguwa.
The Commissioner disclosed that the administration is taking positive steps to restore the lost glory of the state education sector, which include the conduct of massive school enrolment, distribution of instructional materials to schools, and reopening of the boarding schools closed down by the past immediate administration.
He added that preparation had been completed to commence the provision of upkeep allowance to schools, distribution of adequate school furniture and free uniforms to ensure a conducive learning environment, stressing that the administration had already awarded the construction of classrooms across the 44 local government areas of the state.
Doguwa, who congratulated the students for having the scholarship, charged them to become good ambassadors of the state and remain committed towards their studies.
In a short lecture delivered during the orientation exercise, the State Hisbah Commander General Sheik Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa emphasized the need for the students to imbibe the spirit of hard work, loyalty and perseverance while they are at the University.
Daurawa further commended the administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for its commitment towards improving the education sector.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Abdulkarim Abubakar Mamman, a student from the Kumbotso local government area, thanked the Kano State government and Al-Azhar University for allowing them to be the beneficiaries of the programme.
Earlier, the programme coordinator, Dr Abdukadir Kurawa, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for giving them all the necessary support to make the programme successful.