100 Taraba Students For Masters’ Degree Programmes In India

Taraba State government has concluded arrangements to sponsor 100 indigenes of the state to India for their Masters degree programmes in various fields of study.

This was part of the efforts by Governor Agbu Kefas administration to strengthen human capital development and to expand access to quality education in the state.

The state government said the scholarship scheme, which is fully funded, will cover tuition, transportation, accommodation, feeding, study materials and other logistics throughout their stay in India.

The Commissioner for Information and Re-Orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo, who disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen, noted that the initiative underscores Governor Kefas’ commitment to investe in education and to empower youths across the state.

Barr. Jalingo said, Governor Kefas had also approved additional support packages for the beneficiaries, adding that plans were underway to absorb the graduates into the state owned tertiary institutions upon completion of their studies, to enable them contribute their knowledge and expertise to the development of the state.

Speaking during an orientation session for the beneficiaries, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Mike Dio Jen, said the students were selected strictly on merit from the 16 local government areas of the state.

He urged the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of the state and Nigeria during their stay in India.

Hon. Jen described the scheme as a significant milestone, being the first time the Taraba State Government was sponsoring a large number of youths abroad for postgraduate studies.

He disclosed that the beneficiaries are expected to depart next month after the completion of their international passports and verification of their academic credentials by the Federal Ministry of Education.

Also speaking, an Indian consultant, Mr. Khan, said beyond academic training, the students would also be exposed to professional skills development and career management programmes.

He added that, the government had made provisions for their daily mobility within the institutions in India, while arrangements were being concluded to facilitate visa approvals and other travel documentation.

He said, the scholarship initiative was driven by Governor Kefas’ belief that sustainable development could only be achieved through deliberate investment in education and youth development.