Niger State Governor Announces Tuition-Free for New Students at Abdulkadir Kure University.
By Yahaya zakka Minna.
In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities in Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has declared tuition-free for the 809 newly admitted students of Abdulkadir Kure University Minna (AKUM) for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The announcement was made during the university’s matriculation ceremony, where the governor emphasized the importance of investing in local education to foster growth and innovation.
Governor Bago revealed that 2% of the state’s total investment will be allocated as an endowment for AKUM, signifying a commitment to supporting the institution’s development. He stated, “The state is willing to come up with initiatives that will make the university blossom and become a model to others.”
In a surprising decision, he announced the cancellation of a previous plan to send students abroad on scholarships, opting instead to reinvest those funds into local educational initiatives. “I will rather invest the money budgeted for the foreign scholarship here,” he affirmed.
In addition to tuition waivers, the governor announced a bursary of N100,000 for each matriculated student and plans to construct a housing estate for university staff and lecturers.
He also highlighted the introduction of Medicine and Medical Sciences from the next academic session, further enriching the university’s academic offerings.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, Vice Chancellor of AKUM, encouraged the new students to view their matriculation as the beginning of a transformative journey that will shape their futures.
He underscored the university’s mission to equip students with the skills necessary to become job creators and entrepreneurs, particularly in areas such as sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
Prof. Muhammad Yahaya Kuta, Pro Chancellor of AKUM, praised Governor Bago as a visionary leader dedicated to infrastructural development and investing in the younger generation.
He emphasized the importance of the knowledge economy in today’s world, stating that AKUM is well-positioned to contribute significantly to this sector.
As Niger State continues to focus on educational advancements, the initiatives put forth by Governor Bago signal a promising future for students and the broader community.
