Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has offered automatic employment to 54 postgraduate students who studied health-related courses in India under a state-sponsored foreign scholarship program.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Kano, noting that the announcement was made during a reception and Iftar (Ramadan breaking of fast) organized for the returning scholars. The beneficiaries, who studied at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India, arrived in Kano on Friday.
Governor Yusuf assured the graduates that all necessary arrangements had been made for their immediate employment in the Kano State Civil Service.
“We have made all necessary arrangements to offer you automatic employment within the Kano State Civil Service. Your appointment letters will be issued shortly through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Head of Service,” he said.
He further noted that the new employees would benefit from the state’s revised minimum wage of ₦71,000, along with improved allowances for healthcare workers to ensure a supportive working environment.
Expressing concern over government-sponsored scholars who leave Kano for employment elsewhere, the governor urged the graduates to remain in the state and contribute to its healthcare sector, particularly in tackling maternal mortality and sickle cell anaemia.
“Our investment in education and healthcare is meant to strengthen service delivery in Kano. Retaining skilled professionals is essential to achieving this goal,” he added.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing the foreign scholarship program initiated by former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. He highlighted that of the 1,000 beneficiaries, 418 were sent to India and Uganda last year, all of whom have graduated. The remaining 68 students in India are expected to return by April.
Among the 54 returning scholars are 36 medical doctors, 11 pharmacists, two anatomists, and a radiographer.
The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Scholarship Board, Kabiru Getso, emphasized the significance of the graduates’ training, stating that some of the specialized courses studied were the first of their kind in Kano and Northern Nigeria.
“This achievement places the state in a strong position to enhance healthcare services. All the students excelled academically, completing their programs with outstanding grades,” Getso said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, their representative, Yusuf Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the Kano State Government.
“Words cannot fully express our appreciation. We are deeply grateful for this life-changing opportunity,” he said.
