The Sokoto State Government says it has spent N1.3 billion on its students undergoing various medical courses in the Islamic Republic of Sudan in the last two years.
The state Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Sahabi Gada made the disclosure in Sokoto on Tuesday while briefing newsmen.
According to him, about 100 indigenes of the state are currently studying medical courses in Sudan.
The commissioner explained that the essence of sponsoring them was to address shortage of manpower in the health sector in the state.
He said that the government approved N900 million for local and other indigenous students studying various science courses outside the country.
The commissioner said that the money was meant for the payment of scholarship and tuition fees of the students.
“The sum of N340 million was for the 18,000 local students and clearance of backlogs of school fees owed some tertiary institutions in the country,” Gada said.
He advised the beneficiaries to justify the gesture through hardwork and dedication to their studies.
Gada, who, was recently appointed Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania, also revealed that the Shehu Shagari College of Education had been granted full accreditation in 28 courses it offered in NCE and 17 degree in courses.
He added that six of the nine courses offered by Sultan Abdul- Rahman School of Health Technology, Gwadabawa also received full accreditation.
The commissioner assured that all the courses ran by the Sokoto State University would be fully accredited as soon as possible.
Gada commended Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for prioritising education in the state which he believed would turn around the fortune of the sector in the state. (NAN)