Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, member representing Bichi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has welcomed 21 beneficiaries of his foreign scholarship programme who recently returned to Nigeria after completing their master’s degree programmes abroad.
He also flagged off the second batch of the programme, comprising 38 beneficiaries who are set to travel abroad to pursue master’s degrees.
The event was held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Hagagawa Mini Stadium in Bichi, Kano State, where the returning scholars were honoured and the new beneficiaries were formally presented with their scholarship awards.
The 21 returning beneficiaries studied science and technology-related courses, including cybersecurity, software engineering and information technology. Six of them have also secured employment with the Federal Government and are expected to commence work this week.
Speaking at the event, Abubakar said the scholarship programme was designed to address gaps in the education sector and contribute to human capital development.
“One and a half years ago, we gathered here to see you off as you departed for Malaysia to pursue your Master’s degree. Alhamdulillah, today we are here again to welcome you back after successfully completing your Master’s degree,” he said.
He commended the scholars for their dedication, saying their achievements demonstrated the value of investing in education.
“This initiative is part of my efforts to address existing educational gaps and fast-track our country’s development. Globally, human capital is the number one asset, and it is against this backdrop that we have taken this step,” he added.
Addressing the new beneficiaries, the lawmaker urged them to remain focused on their studies and serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria while abroad.
He said arrangements had been made to ensure that the beneficiaries had a conducive environment for their studies.
Abubakar also said the initiative was intended to complement efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to expand access to education for less privileged young people.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Foreign Scholarship Committee, Dr Ado Abdu Bichi, said the beneficiaries were selected strictly on merit following a comprehensive screening process.
He commended Abubakar for the initiative, saying it would contribute to producing more highly educated young people in Bichi Federal Constituency.
Also speaking, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, praised Abubakar’s commitment to youth empowerment through education.
“I have spent almost over 30 years in the House of Representatives, and I have never seen a member like Abubakar Kabir Abubakar. His participation and commitment are not only in Bichi, Lagos or Enugu; they extend across Nigeria,” Ado-Doguwa said.
The ceremony was attended by lawmakers, community leaders, stakeholders, representatives of dignitaries, scholarship beneficiaries and their families, among other guests.
