We spent N4bn to relocate 195 students from war-torn Sudan to Cyprus, India – Jigawa govt

The 195 Jigawa State students who were evacuated from war-torn Sudan and relocated to India and Cyprus for their medical studies are now graduating with remarkable achievements.

Saidu Magaji, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Scholarship Board, proudly announced on Tuesday that six out of the ten students relocated to India have graduated, with four earning first-class degrees in Nursing (Bachelor of Science).

Magaji highlighted the proactive efforts of the Jigawa State government in swiftly evacuating 195 students from Sudan during the civil unrest. The evacuation process, though challenging, was executed smoothly, ensuring that all students returned to Nigeria safely before being relocated to continue their education abroad.

The students’ outstanding academic success reflects the resilience and dedication of the Jigawa government’s support for education, even in the face of adversity.

“Even in Nigeria, upon their arrival in Abuja, the government decided that they should not be taken to Jigawa on buses because they were still dealing with the trauma of how they escaped from Sudan.

“So, we chartered an aircraft that took them straight to Jigawa Airport, where we also provided them with transport fares to their respective homes.”

The Secretary noted that due to the 12-point Human Agenda of the Umar Namadi government, he directed the Scholarship Board to secure admissions for the students. As a result, 185 of them were admitted to Near East University in Cyprus, and each was recently paid N4.5 million for their residence permits, health insurance, and living allowances.

The Executive Secretary explained that of the ten students taken to Integral University in India, four are still there, with three studying Doctor of Pharmacy Sciences and one studying Civil Engineering. Meanwhile, the six students who graduated and returned to Nigeria include four female students who graduated with first-class degrees in the field of Bachelor of Nursing Sciences, while the remaining two male students graduated in the field of Industrial Chemistry.

“Already, we have approved N4 billion for living allowances, tuition fees, residence permits, and other financial needs. We have also signed a bond with the students to serve in Jigawa for some time, along with the 185 students in Cyprus.”

Aisha Muhammad, who graduated with a first-class degree in Bachelor of Nursing Sciences, expressed happiness with her graduation, saying, “After the trauma of Sudan, we have now completed our studies successfully, and we are ready to serve my state like never before.”

Abdullahi Isa, who graduated with a degree in Industrial Chemistry, said that their studies in India were wonderful because the people there were so accommodating and their studies went smoothly without any attacks or hostility.

Recalling how they suffered while crossing the borders of Sudan, he stated that if not for the timely intervention of the Jigawa State government, they would have thought that their education was over. Today, they are happy that they have successfully graduated, with some of them earning first-class degrees.