Shagaya Benjamin Maikori, a 300-level student of Physics Education in the Department of Science Education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has revealed how he had to sell a plot of land to pay for his school fees last year.
Maikori, an orphan and the last-born of four siblings, is among the 450 beneficiaries of the Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal Needs-Based Scholarship Initiative. The initiative is designed to support indigent students from Kaduna State who are studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Financial Struggles and Resilience
“When I gained admission into ABU last year as a direct entry student, I had to sell a plot of land to pay for my school fees,” Maikori shared.
He explained that since the passing of their father and the loss of their mother’s job with the state government, he and his sister, who is also in university, have had to engage in multiple activities such as selling food and taking up various jobs to make ends meet.
Minister’s Commitment to Education Support
Speaking virtually, the Minister emphasized that the scholarship initiative is a testament to his commitment to supporting the education of disadvantaged students in Kaduna State.
“I am delighted to present these scholarship awards to 450 indigent students from Kaduna State. This initiative is a demonstration of my commitment to supporting the education of disadvantaged students in our state,” Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal stated.
Recognition from Kaduna State Authorities
Kaduna State’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Bello, praised the Minister’s generosity in awarding scholarships to 450 students from the state. He acknowledged that such initiatives play a vital role in reducing the financial burden on underprivileged students and ensuring access to quality education.
Rigorous Selection Process
Earlier in the event, Halilu Hassan, Chairman of the Committee responsible for selecting the beneficiaries, explained that the selection process was thorough. Over 4,000 applicants were screened before the final 450 beneficiaries were chosen.
This initiative provides a lifeline to students like Maikori, who, despite financial hardships, continue to pursue their dreams of higher education through resilience and determination.
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