Education reform: We have increased scholarships for Bauchi indigenes — Mohammed

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has said his administration has initiated education reforms, including the increased scholarships for indigent students by 50 per cent in the state.

The governor stated this on Saturday at the combined 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th convocation ceremony of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU).

While congratulating the university management for the recent graduation of its first set of medical students, Governor Mohammed hinted at the state government's plan to absorb the graduates into the state civil service.

He said the move would address the shortage of medical doctors in healthcare facilities across the state.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau described the university as a beacon of knowledge and innovation among its contemporaries in the country.

He said: "Today’s momentous event marks a significant milestone in the lives of our graduating students, who have successfully traversed the challenging path of higher education and are now ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives. 

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students. As your fellow citizen and Executive Governor of this great state, I am an advocate of innovation, progress and development.

"In our commitment to fairness, the investment in educational reform and infrastructure will be distributed across higher institutions in the State.

"Additionally, we provided land and buildings to support the establishment of new institutions by the Federal Government in Azare and Jama'are. 

"While acknowledging these achievements, we recognize there is more work to be done. That is why we have established a Ministry of Higher Education. 

"Due to the economic challenges faced by parents, we have restored and increased scholarships for Bauchi State indigenes by 50%, with plans for further increments as our resources improve. 

"Furthermore, I have declared a state of emergency in the education sector. The focus will be on modernizing our curriculum to instil a Bauchi first consciousness and foster digital literacy for the benefit of students."