Rep Bichi launches 4th postgraduate scholarship, sponsors 122 students with N25.85m

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations and member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has launched the fourth edition of his postgraduate scholarship support programme, approving scholarships worth N25,853,128.50 for 122 students from the constituency.

The programme was inaugurated on Sunday at the fourth edition of the lawmaker’s flagship Postgraduate Support Programme held at Zibsah Event Centre, off FCE (T) Bichi Old Campus Road.

The scholarship initiative, which targets students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in higher institutions across Nigeria, is aimed at promoting human capital development and expanding access to postgraduate education.

Speaking at the event, Mr Bichi said the programme was designed to assist beneficiaries in pursuing their academic ambitions while contributing to the socio-economic development of Bichi Federal Constituency.

He disclosed that 122 postgraduate students were selected for the fourth edition of the scheme, with a total of N25,853,128.50 approved for their sponsorship.

The lawmaker also revealed that 21 postgraduate students from the constituency had earlier received scholarships to study in Malaysia as the first batch under the programme. According to him, about 80 per cent of the beneficiaries have completed their studies, while a larger second batch is expected to depart for Malaysia in September.

Highlighting other education interventions, Bichi said he had constructed more than 700 classrooms across the 12 wards of the constituency to improve learning infrastructure in public primary and secondary schools.

He added that he currently sponsors the salaries of 500 temporary teachers, each earning N60,000 monthly, to address teacher shortages and improve the quality of education in public schools.

According to the lawmaker, more than 500 students enrolled in schools under the Kano State Science and Technical Schools Board are also benefiting from his scholarship programme, which covers tuition, learning materials, accommodation and other educational expenses.

He said the intervention also extends to students from the constituency studying in universities, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions across the country.

Mr Bichi further disclosed that an electronic library under construction in Bichi would provide students with access to digital learning resources and modern research facilities.

He said his constituency development programmes also cover infrastructure, healthcare and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of residents and creating opportunities for young people.