On Friday, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, distributed a sum of N5 billion in scholarship funds to 30,000 students hailing from Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical region. This initiative represents a significant move toward his "ambitious educational support plan," aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The recipients, selected from all seven states within the area—including Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara—were awarded sums ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦800,000 per individual based on their field of study. Among these scholars, 7,000 originated from Kaduna State. This financial aid program, encompassing tuition costs, book expenses, and allowances, was made possible via SMEDAN working alongside Microvis Microfinance Bank.

At the popular event in Kaduna State, many students happily shared screenshots of their banking notifications as evidence of payment, which led to impromptu applause throughout the crowd.

At the event, Speaker Abbas, who previously worked as an educator, conveyed his happiness about the initiative, mentioning that the scholarship program focuses on students pursuing essential fields like medicine, engineering, law, and technology.

What sets this scholarship program apart isn’t merely its size, but rather its emphasis," he stated. "We’re supporting Nigeria’s upcoming physicians, engineers, legal experts, and creators." He added, "This marks an unparalleled effort in the annals of our region’s development.

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The Speaker additionally declared the creation of an up-to-date orphanage in Zaria, calling it "a venture deeply connected to my heart." He stated that this facility would go beyond offering housing; it would also supply education, healthcare, and emotional support for underprivileged children.

In Zaria, each child has a home," he proclaimed. "The children will be provided with a supportive setting that instills in them optimism for a promising future.

Motivating his students to fully utilize this chance, he stated, "This scholarship isn’t merely about waived fees or monthly allowances—it’s both an opportunity and a duty. Regardless of whether you choose to be a surgeon, an engineer, a lawyer, or a technology specialist, pursue your path with distinction and honesty."

Abbas recalled that during the 2023/2024 academic year, tuition fees for exams such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB were covered for 6,000 students from Zaria. This number has increased to 8,000 students for the upcoming 2024/2025 session.

Moreover, SMEDAN has provided grants to foster educational initiatives aimed at young people and women, combining academic assistance with entrepreneurial skills development.

Although the majority of intervention initiatives have been concentrated on the northern region, Speaker Abbas emphasized his dedication to nationwide inclusivity, mentioning backing for educational institutions in Kwara, Ondo, Imo, and Bayelsa states. "Each Nigerian child should receive a high-quality education irrespective of their place of residence," he asserted.

He revealed that over 110 primary schools and 40 secondary schools have undergone renovations in his constituency, with construction activities currently taking place at more than a hundred additional educational institutions.

To underscore his dedication to enhancing institutional infrastructure, Abbas disclosed that as part of the 2025 budget, Zaria will be home to seven additional federal establishments. These include a Federal College of Agriculture, an institute dedicated to Veterinary and Animal Husbandry studies, and a specialized school for individuals with disabilities, along with several more facilities.

He mentioned that numerous infrastructure initiatives have been carried out at several universities nationwide, including Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Federal University of Technology in Akure, Al-Hikma University in Ilorin, and Federal University in Otuoke, amongst others.

One of his key initiatives includes an N80 billion "Educational City" in Zaria, planned to accommodate four new higher education institutions: a branch of the National Open University, a Federal College of Education, a Federal College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as a College of Legal Studies.

Speaker Abbas thanked President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for their unwavering support, while also expressing deep appreciation to his constituents for re-electing him to the House for a record fourth time.

Governor Sani, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Alhaji Rabiu Yunusa, commended the Speaker for their contributions to education. He also recounted his own experience as someone who had previously benefited from Abbas’s scholarship program.

The event included positive messages delivered by the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the Minister of Environment, and the Director-General of SMEDAN, as well as several others.

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