By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
The first batch of 42 of the 100 successfully screened students of Sokoto East for sponsorship to study in Indian university by the being the the Senator Ibrahim Lamido Education Trust Fund will be departed the shores of this country for their various programmes of choice within the week.
Speaking in Sokoto during the final process of signing the consent form with their parents in attendance, before the beneficiaries departure, Senator Lamido ( Sokoto-APC) appealed to all of them to be good ambassadors of their respective families, state and country at large.
Lamido , represented by Dr Umar Yahaya Namahe Isa, emphasised the fundamental importance of education to self and national development also reminded the benefiting students that, ‘”No community can excel and attain the desired development without sound education”.
He disclosed that not less than stressing N1.2bn would be invested annually on each of the 42 beneficiaries till completion of their courses.
However, the lawmaker who represent Sokoto East Senatorial District which comprise of 8 LGs; Sabon Birni, Gada, Isa, Goronyo, Rabah, Wurno , Illela, Goronyo and Gwadabawa, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the entire screening process that finally saw to the emergence of the 100 successful students.
“‘I am highly happy that all these fortunate students have been screened and given good commendation by both NDLEA, and all other relevant health agencies”, Sen. Lamido remarked.
On his part while addressing the benefiting students and their parents who came to sign consent forms, Professor Mauzu Shamaki Isa said with the development, the students were set to depart Nigeria for India.
Hitherto, Shamaki added” this is a remarkable stride thus; all nay sayers should be ashamed of themselves as beneficiaries are set to depart Nigeria for India” while describing the Senator’s huge investment in education as right step towards inspiring youngs with visionary might and lifting generation yet unborn out of the grip of poverty and insecurity that was fast retarding development especially in the Senatorial District.
“”Some nay sayers are circulating false messages that the Senator Ibrahim Lamido Education Trust fund was simply a scam. But we are here today to let the world know and see that, the benefiting students are leaving Nigeria for India soon as every necessary arrangements has been completed. And we are also appealing to Senator Lamido to extend this gesture to other senatorial district of the state subsequently.
“”All their tuition fees, feeding, accommodation and visa has been paid. And the Senator has also graciously approved a monthly maintenance stipend for each of the benefitting students'”, Prof Shamaki noted.
A former chairman of Isa local government, Isah Abullahi Gajo, also appealed to parents of benefiting students to advise their wards against negative influence while outside the shores of this country.
‘”And luckily, all those selected are children whose parents can not afford sponsoring them to study abroad if not for the scholarship opportunity given by Senator Lamido.
“”You will certainly meet cultural shock, religious diversity, and all other forms of lifestyle that is strange to you while in India. But remain committed to the reason of your being there and never be carried away. Always remember where you are coming from. Go and study and not otherwise””.
One of the benefiting students parent,
Sanusi Sani from Goronyo local government who spoke on behalf of others thanked Senator Lamido for the gesture.
