The Sokoto State Committee for Accessing International Scholarship Awards for State indigenes has pledged to be just and fair in carrying out its responsibilities.
Chairman of the Committee and State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, made this pledge while inaugurating the committee in his office at the Government House, Sokoto.
Alhaji Idris Gobir explained that the initiative is aimed at justifying the huge resources to be spent by the Government in sponsoring indigenes to study abroad. He noted that the committee has the responsibility of identifying suitable foreign universities and relevant courses that candidates will pursue.
The Deputy Governor stressed that the committee must examine areas where the state is lacking manpower with a view to sponsoring candidates to study in those fields. According to him, this would enable Sokoto State to fill manpower gaps and strengthen key sectors.
He further assured that every local government area would get its share of beneficiaries. “People of proven integrity were selected to serve in the committee and I assure you that only qualified candidates will be chosen,” he stated.
Alhaji Idris Gobir added that the committee is committed to justifying the confidence reposed in them. He also announced that Governor Ahmed Aliyu has approved payment of scholarship to Sokoto indigenes currently studying in various universities across Nigeria.
He clarified that the payment would be carried out by the State Scholarship Board, pointing out that the creation of the new committee would not interfere with the Board’s existing mandate.
Other members of the committee include the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa, Chief of Staff Government House, Alhaji Aminu Dikko, Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Isah Muhammad Maishanu, Special Adviser Students Matters, Muhammad Abubakar Salame, and State Chairman of Zakkat and Waqf, Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki.
Also on the committee are the Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, Kabir Labaran, Professor Sani Umar, and Almustapha Bello Bello. The Director of Quality Assurance, Ministry for Higher Education, Malami Shuaibu, will serve as Secretary of the committee.