Kano Governor Offers Automatic Employment to 54 Postgraduate Students
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approved automatic employment for 54 postgraduate students who were beneficiaries of a foreign scholarship program to study health-related courses in India.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, in Kano.
According to the statement, Mr. Yusuf made the announcement during a reception and Iftar (Ramadan breaking of fast) held for the students, who had studied at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India, and returned to the state on Friday.
He stated, “We have made all necessary arrangements to offer you automatic employment within the Kano State Civil Service. Your appointment letters will be issued shortly through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Head of Service.
“You will also benefit from the newly implemented minimum wage of ₦71,000 in the state. We have improved allowances for healthcare workers to ensure a conducive working environment.’’
The governor expressed disappointment over individuals who benefited from government-sponsored education but later sought employment outside the state.
“I am surprised to see beneficiaries of government scholarships working outside Kano instead of contributing to the state’s development. We appeal to you to use your knowledge and expertise to improve the lives of our people, especially women, and address critical health issues such as maternal mortality and sickle cell anaemia,” he said.
He explained that the state’s investment in education and healthcare was aimed at strengthening service delivery within Kano, and retaining skilled professionals was essential to achieving this objective.
Mr. Yusuf reiterated his administration’s dedication to sustaining the foreign scholarship program initiated by former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
“When we assumed office, we promised to sustain this initiative. Out of the 1,000 beneficiaries, 418 were sent to India and Uganda last year. All have graduated, while the remaining 68 students in India are expected to return by April,” he said.
Among the 54 scholars who have returned, there are 36 medical doctors, 11 pharmacists, two anatomists, and a radiographer.
The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Scholarship Board, Kabiru Getso, stated that some of the specialized courses undertaken by the students were the first of their kind in Kano and Northern Nigeria.
“Achieving this milestone puts the state in a strong position to improve healthcare services. All the students excelled academically, completing their programmes with impressive grades and no carryovers,” Mr. Getso noted.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, the group’s captain, Yusuf Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to the Kano State Government.
“Words are not enough to convey our gratitude. We are deeply thankful for this life-changing opportunity,” he said.
