Former Governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has presented over 300 PhD holders trained under the Kwankwasiyya scholarship programme.
The unveiling took place during the maiden annual convention of Kwankwasiyya scholars held in Kano.
Kwankwaso described education as the most lasting gift any leader can offer society, saying investment in human capital remains the true test of responsible leadership. He noted that the convention, which brought together beneficiaries sponsored over nearly 25 years, marked a historic moment for Kano State and the country at large.
In a statement signed by the National President of the Kwankwasiyya Scholars Assembly, Dr Mansur Hassan, and issued to journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, Kwankwaso recalled how many of the beneficiaries started their academic journey from humble backgrounds. He said their transformation into confident professionals showed the long term value of sustained educational support.
The former governor disclosed that after government sponsorship of foreign students ended following the 2019 general elections, he decided to personally sustain the programme through the Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation. According to him, he sold personal properties across several states to sponsor 370 young men and women from Kano to study abroad.
Kwankwaso added that before then, the programme had sponsored more than 3,000 students within four years to study in 14 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. He said the initiative has produced hundreds of medical doctors and specialists, many engineers, ICT experts, aviation professionals and academics, including over 300 PhD holders.
He explained that the foundation goes beyond education sponsorship, noting that beneficiaries are mentored and encouraged to contribute to public service and national development. Kwankwaso also cautioned scholars against elitism, urging them to remain connected to grassroots service regardless of their academic qualifications.
Kwankwaso commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing several beneficiaries as commissioners, advisers and senior aides. He expressed optimism that beneficiaries of the programme would one day emerge as governors and even president of the country.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, described the scholarship scheme as one of the most impactful human capital development programmes in Nigeria. Dr Mansur Hassan said the convention marked a defining moment for the scholars, adding that many tertiary institutions in Kano and neighbouring states rely heavily on Kwankwasiyya scholars for academic stability.
