Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umar Mohammed Bago, popularly known as the Farmer Governor, has announced free tuition for the 809 newly admitted students of Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna (AKUM), for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Governor Bago made the declaration on Wednesday during the university’s matriculation ceremony, where he also revealed plans to establish a 2% endowment fund for the institution, drawn from the state’s total investment portfolio.
The Governor said the decision underscores his administration’s commitment to making higher education more accessible while building a world-class university system within Niger State.
“We are determined to make Abdulkadir Kure University a model institution. I have therefore decided to cancel the earlier plan to sponsor students abroad on scholarship. Instead, we will invest that money here at home,” Bago stated.
He further announced that a housing estate would be built for staff and lecturers, while Medicine and Medical Sciences programmes are expected to commence in the next academic session.
Congratulating the new students, Governor Bago urged them to remain focused and be good ambassadors of their families and the state. He also pledged a ₦100,000 bursary for each matriculating student.
The Vice-Chancellor of AKUM, Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, described the matriculation as the beginning of a transformative journey for the students. He said the university aims to equip its students with practical skills, innovative thinking, and an entrepreneurial mindset to enable them to become job creators.
Professor Paiko commended the Governor’s Green Economy Initiative, noting that AKUM is aligning its academic and research focus to support sustainable development in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, medical and environmental sciences, ICT, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of AKUM, Professor Muhammad Yahaya Kuta, described Governor Bago as a visionary leader who is investing not only in infrastructure but also in the next generation through education.
“The knowledge industry rules the world today, and His Excellency’s commitment to developing our human capital places Niger State on the path of sustainable growth,” he said.
The matriculation ceremony marked a historic moment for the young university as it welcomed its pioneer cohort of students under a government committed to transforming education and building a knowledge-driven economy.
