Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has described education as the foundation upon which he is building a new Sokoto State where every child has opportunities for self-fulfilment.
He said, “Education is Number One on my 9-point agenda because of the serious importance that I attach to it.”
The governor made the statement through Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi, the commissioner of Higher Education, who represented him at the convocation ceremony of 88 returnee medical students held at Kasarawa Conference Centre, Sokoto.
The medical graduates whose studies at the Sudan International University Khartoum were disrupted by the war in Sudan, through the efforts of the Sokoto State government, were able to continue their studies at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Medical College, where they successfully completed their medical programme.
Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi lauded the governor’s uncommon commitment to higher education in the state in words and actions and said, “The governor’s funding and support of education is unprecedented. We in the education sector are happy with the governor.
“The governor’s friendly posture ensured that their dream to become medical doctors was not aborted by circumstances beyond their control. Hence, he took every step to ensure that they completed their studies.
“One-third of the budget for this year is dedicated to education; our tertiary institutions have benefited from accreditation and infrastructure, which is part of the governor’s agenda.”
He assured that the governor’s unwavering commitment and priority to higher education will continue because he considers education a right of every state citizen.
While congratulating the graduands, the commissioner urged them to utilize their knowledge to serve humanity and assured the state government support for those willing to further their studies.