Education is believed by many to be the bedrock of any nation's quest for development. It is the cornerstone for meaningful and sustainable growth development and achievement.
Education has also been recognised by many nation as a catalyst for achieving socio-economic development.
This is one area that has remained of value to former governor of Kano State, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the key issue of human capital development. In both areas of formal and informal education. In and out of government, he has succeeded greatly in the two areas.
The former senator using the platforms of the state government and his personal efforts, the Kwankwassiya Foundation has succeeded in giving hope to those who hitherto would not have had opportunity for personal enhancement and development.
In ensuring that the efforts brought forth the best in terms of output, he ensured that beneficiaries are carefully choosing on merit with the hope and believe that those to be produced in turn contribute to the development of not only Kano but the country at large.
Kwankwaso who personally ensure that many brilliant students yet indigent students from the state are given the opportunity to contribute to its development in future as a valued human capital.
From record available, it's said that the foundation has sponsored over 242 out of the 370 targeted, graduates to India for masters' degrees in last 2 last year.
Recently, addressing the beneficiaries, the Engr Kwankwaso explained that the gesture was part of the Kwankwasiyya initiative to help the education of youth especially those from the less privileged families.
He further assured that the movement would continue to sponsor more students abroad, as according to him education was the bedrock of Kwankwasiyya's activities, calling on members of the movement to double their contributions to sustain the good work they started.
He said the door of the foundation would remain opened for anybody that is willing to donate to the movement.
The gesture is not in any way restricted to indigent students who wish to study for master’s degree only as opportunities are also opened to those who wish to further pursue doctoral degree after the completion of their studies.
For instance Mallam Aliyu Bello is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Thailand. He was initially a scholar pursuing his postgraduate degree programme in Jordon from where he secured a doctoral degree scholarship to Thailand.
In a series of enlightenment documentary produced by the foundation, Bello who was full of appreciation for the opportunity provided, lauded what he termed the fair and transparent manner for choosing beneficiaries, saying but for that, he would have had opportunity to partake in the programme.
“It was a process that was based purely on merit. I have never witnessed a process that is free, fair and transparent as this scholarship programme,” he said adding that he was initially reluctant to put in for the programme.
“It was like a mirage. I didn’t believe that I will win it. With the encouragement of my family and friends, knowing the integrity of the government of that time under the leadership of Senator Rabie Musa Kwankwaso, I had to apply. A man who does what he promises to do.
“Actually, I really commend the process because of the transparency. The most interesting thing about it is that no matter how connected you are to those in government. If you are not qualified, you won’t get.” He said proudly.
Bello who won the scholarship during the governorship tenure of Kwankwaso lauded the state government under the former lawmaker for ensuring the comfortable stay while in Jordan, saying their allowances and other entitlements were paid promptly and as at when due.
“We were very comfortable during our study. We never had any challenge. The government provided all the necessary things we needed for comfortable study. All our allowances were more sufficient for us.” Bello said.
Bello is just one of the 163 of such who went further to study at the doctorate level as many of them owing to their excellent performances earned scholarship to study at higher level thus further providing assurances of quality manpower for Kano State in future.
The former Kano state governor explained that the gesture was part of the Kwankwasiyya initiative to help the education of youth especially those from the less privileged families.
In a tone laden with satisfaction, the former minister of defence told those at the sendforth programme that "Today, Kwankwasiyya has sponsored 242 students abroad. Not only sponsoring them, but paid everything related to their studies ranging from tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, travelling tickets and returning tickets."
He also assured that the movement would continue to sponsor more students abroad, as according to him education was the bedrock of Kwankwasiyya's activities, calling on members of the movement to double their contributions to sustain the good work they started.
Indeed Sen Kwankwaso remain one of the leading light and education ambassador in the country, it's my wish others emulate him especially in the northern States.
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