In a move aimed at leveling the playing field for students from underprivileged backgrounds, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has eliminated the requirement for tax clearance in scholarship applications. Hobnob News has learned that this executive order, coupled with other streamlined processes, is set to significantly broaden access to financial aid for deserving students.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim, revealed the governor’s decision, emphasizing its focus on improving access to scholarships for those who need them most. “The governor has removed the requirement for tax clearance, making it easier for students from poor backgrounds to access scholarships,” Ibrahim stated.
Furthermore, the essay writing component of the application process has been repurposed. Instead of serving as a potential hurdle, it will now be used to identify areas where students require additional support. “The essay writing requirement remains, but it is now used to assess students’ needs rather than as a condition for eligibility,” Ibrahim clarified.
To further simplify the application process and bring it closer to students in rural areas, Governor Sani has established seven Scholarship Awards Zonal Units across the state. Each unit is equipped with 30 computers, providing students with the necessary resources to apply for scholarships without traveling long distances.
“These units are located in Zaria, Kafanchan, Kachia, Pambegua, Makarfi, Kaduna North, and Kaduna South zones,” Ibrahim explained. “The establishment of these zonal units has eased the burden of travelling to the Board’s headquarters in Kaduna and reduced congestion.”
The Board has also introduced on-the-spot scholarship enrollments for indigenous citizens attending tertiary institutions, resulting in the enrollment of over 4,330 potential beneficiaries awaiting disbursement. Additionally, 3,397 students have been awarded local scholarships since May 2023, and 30 students have benefitted from third-party Tertiary Education Loans.
Governor Sani has demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusivity by introducing government-funded scholarship intervention programs for students with special needs and those pursuing studies in innovation, aviation, merit-based fields, and other underprivileged groups. “The inclusion of government special scholarship intervention programs for innovation, aviation, merit-based studies, underprivileged groups, and People with Special Needs (PLWDs) is at the heart of His Excellency’s agenda,” Ibrahim said.
The governor’s initiatives have been widely praised as a significant breakthrough in the state’s education sector, with students and parents expressing gratitude for his support. In a related development, Governor Sani has provided employment opportunities for six medical students who recently graduated from Cuba and 14 nursing graduates from Uganda, further demonstrating his commitment to investing in the state’s human capital.
“The 14 nursing graduates from Uganda were all automatically employed into the Kaduna State civil service by His Excellency, the Governor of Kaduna State,” Ibrahim revealed.
These comprehensive efforts by Governor Sani signal a strong commitment to education accessibility and empowerment for all students in Kaduna State. Hobnob News will continue to track the impact of these initiatives.
