In a landmark move to promote educational inclusion and human capital development, Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, has awarded scholarships to 20,055 students from 19 tertiary institutions across Northwestern Nigeria.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held on Sunday in Gusau by the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the scholarship initiative, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Maliki Gidangoka.
According to Dan-Maliki, the Senator A.A. Yari Scholarship Initiative (SAAYASI) was conceived to support indigent and orphaned students across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State, with the broader aim of bridging educational gaps and boosting access to tertiary education in underserved communities.
“This scholarship is not just financial support, it’s a strategic investment in the future of Zamfara State and Nigeria at large,” he stated.
To ensure transparency and impact, Senator Yari assembled a team of education experts including planners, administrators, academics, and technocrats to design and implement the scholarship scheme. A 14-member committee chaired by Senator Tijjani Yahaya MFR (Tafidan Kaura) led the initiative, with coordinators and assistants deployed across all local councils to identify deserving beneficiaries.
Following a rigorous selection process, 2,055 successful candidates were chosen to receive comprehensive scholarship packages covering tuition or registration fees and monthly stipends for the duration of their degree programmes ranging from 4 to 6 years in a wide array of disciplines including health sciences, education, and technology.
Institutions Benefiting from the Initiative
Scholarship recipients are currently enrolled in both public and private tertiary institutions, including:
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Bayero University, Kano
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Federal University, Gusau
Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara
Kaduna State University
Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru
Aliko Dangote University of Science & Technology, Wudil
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina
Federal University of Transportation, Daura
North West University, Sokoto
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila
Green Garden College of Health Sciences & Technology, Gusau
And others.
Out of the total beneficiaries, 1,704 students are currently enrolled in public universities and polytechnics, while 352 students are pursuing education in approved private institutions.
The SAAYASI project has been hailed as a model of targeted educational intervention, especially in a region facing severe challenges in educational attainment. By removing the financial barriers to higher education for vulnerable groups, the initiative is expected to contribute to reduced dropout rates, increased university participation, and a more skilled workforce in years to come.
Community leaders, education stakeholders, and beneficiaries have praised Senator Yari for his foresight and commitment to educational advancement.
“This is not just about today’s students; it’s about preparing tomorrow’s leaders, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and innovators,” Dan-Maliki added.
While commending all those involved in the implementation of the programme, the committee urged the beneficiaries to remain committed and excel in their academic pursuits, stressing that the sustainability and success of the initiative depend on their dedication.
“May they justify the confidence reposed in them and become ambassadors of change for Zamfara and beyond,” the committee concluded.
