SENATOR A. A. YARI SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE, GUSAU, ZAMFARA STATE
PRESS RELEASE
SENATOR ABDULAZIZ YARI ABUBAKAR (MARAFAN SOKOTO) EXPANDS HIS SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE
The Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto), has further expanded his intervention in the education sector of Zamfara State under his Scholarship Initiative.
As part of this expansion, an additional 50 students from the 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State have been awarded full scholarships to pursue undergraduate studies in various disciplines at Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State.
This is in addition to the 100 candidates previously sponsored by the Initiative to study health-related courses at Green Garden School of Health Technology, Abarma, Gusau, Zamfara State.
Speaking on behalf of the initiator at the official handover of the 50 students to Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Chairman of the Scholarship Initiative, Senator Tijjani Yahaya (Tafidan Ƙaura), emphasized that the expansion was driven by Senator Yari’s commitment to empowering vulnerable indigenes to achieve their academic aspirations despite financial constraints.
Represented by the Secretary of the Initiative, Professor Sha’aya Shehu (Sarkin Rafin Mafara), Senator Yahaya explained that the choice of Al-Istiqama University and Green Garden School of Health Technology was carefully made to align with the Initiative’s mandate of enhancing human capital development in Zamfara State, particularly in the health sector and other critical disciplines.
Full Sponsorship and Monthly Stipends
Addressing the 50 newly sponsored students before handing them over to the university, Professor Sha’aya Shehu assured them that the scholarship covers:
✅ Registration and tuition fees
✅ Accommodation fees
✅ All other miscellaneous expenses
✅ A monthly stipend to support their upkeep throughout their studies.
He urged the students to be good ambassadors of Zamfara State, encouraging them to excel in both character and academics to make their families and the Scholarship Initiative proud.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the students, Naziru Malam Hassan Gummi expressed deep appreciation to Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar (Marafan Sokoto) for restoring their hopes of attaining tertiary education.
A female beneficiary, Aisha Sa’idu, also extended her gratitude, vowing that she and her colleagues would reciprocate the senator’s generosity through their academic excellence and moral conduct.
Al-Istiqama University Pledges Academic and Moral Excellence
Receiving the students on behalf of the university’s management, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kabiru Muhammad Ƙofa, commended Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar for his visionary support for education and assured him of the institution’s commitment to providing the highest quality education and moral guidance.
Professor Ƙofa highlighted that Al-Istiqama University, which was established in 2021 and currently offers 34 NUC-accredited courses, is known for its strict academic and moral standards. He also emphasized that:
- Arabic Language is a mandatory subject for all students, regardless of their course of study.
- Qur’anic studies are an institutionalized part of the university’s curriculum.
MOU Signed Between Initiative and University
Following the handover, officials of the Scholarship Initiative, including:
✅ Professor Sha’aya Shehu (Sarkin Rafin Mafara)
✅ Hon. Abubakar Aliyu (Ɗanmadamin Maradun)
✅ Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad (Ɗanmadamin Birnin Magaji)
✅ Mal. Ismail Muhammad Amin (Head of Administration)
were given a tour of the university’s facilities before signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.
Scholarship Initiative’s Growing Impact
The 150 students sponsored at Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, and Green Garden School of Health Technology, Gusau, Zamfara State, are in addition to the 1,700 students earlier sponsored by the Initiative in 16 public universities across the Northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Signed:
Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad (Danmadamin Birnin Magaji)
For the Publicity Sub-Committee
February 25, 2025