Kano state government on Friday afternoon flew a total 159 graduates to study their Masters Degree programmes in India.

The first-class graduates were among the third batch of 1,001 indigenous students being sponsored by Kano state government to bridge the manpower gap in the state.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Kofarmata who was ground to bid them farewell said the departure of the third batch was a continuation of the government’s commitment towards implementation of 1,001 postgraduate scholarship programme for 2023/2024.

Dr Kofarmata disclosed that the beneficiaries, on arrival in India, would be taken to seven Indian universities that includes Mewar, Sharda, Sri Sai, Swarnnim, SR, Symbiosis and Kalinga University for their Masters Degree programmes.

The Commissioner explained that the beneficiaries would study in internationally competitive areas of professionalism to bridge the manpower gap in the state and across the nation.

“A total of 550 students are the first batch that is going to eight reputable universities to study in internationally competitive areas of professionalism to bridge the manpower gap in the state and across the nation.

“The students are also expected to acquire experience, skills, and knowledge with the view to revamp the state commercial status and explore other potential for socio-economic development,” he said

He recalled that the first batch, comprised of 140 students departed to India immediately after the flagoff ceremony of the programme on October 20, while in the second batch of 33 graduates were airlifted to study in Islamic University, Uganda on October 20LL

He said the airlifts of the graduates to study Masters Degree programmes in various universities abroad was in fulfillment of the campaign promises of governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the state.

The beneficiaries also eulogiesed governor Yusuf for his for the gesture and fulfillment of his campaign promises to revive the policy introduced by the former governor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

“As you can see the beneficiaries, their parents, well wishers, and other good people of the state are joyously celebrating the policy and continue praying for the success of the government in discharging its duties to the state,” the Commissioner said. (Daily independent)