IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja.
Former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s scholarship initiative has yielded impressive results as 50 Kogi students transferred from Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, have successfully graduated with medical degrees.
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, failed to meet the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) accreditation criteria for Medical programmes, prompting suspension and consequently leaving students without academic continuity.
Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello swiftly responded to the plight of the stranded students by arranging transfers to accredited institutions and granting scholarships for their continued academic pursuits.
It was reported that at the end of their studies, the Medical doctors
bagged distinctions in various fields, with some emerging overall best.
The highly elated Students full of praises in a letter addressed to the ex-Governor Bello and made available to newsmen in Lokoja, said that Bello’s divine emergence as Kogi governor in 2016 “saved us from quitting our dreams.”
The letter, signed by Dr. Omeiza Abdulmaleek-Usman and Dr. Onimisi Benedict, was full of praises and commendation to the former governor , saying he came to their rescue when they thought all hope of becoming Medical doctors was lost.
“When we faced the unfortunate challenge of losing accreditation at our former institution, your divine emergence as Governor, swift intervention and the decision to transfer us to other medical schools were not just acts of leadership, but of compassion and commitment to the future of Kogi State’s healthcare sector.
“The efforts of your administration in ensuring that we were successfully transferred to other institutions where we could complete our medical training is a testament to your dedication to education and the well-being of your citizens.”
According to them, the former governor covered all transfer and tuition fees and ensured they could complete their medical training without financial burden.
They also extended their appreciation to Bello’s successor, Gov. Usman Ododo, Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Ayoade; former Vice Chancellors of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba, Prof Hassan Isah, Prof Muhammed Abdulkadir Sanni; Prof Mariat Tenushe and former provost of the Medical College, Prof Margaret Araoye.
They also appreciated Prof Akogu Simon, Prof Edino, late Dr Emmanuel Busayo Agbana, Dr Omotosho and other management staff of PAAU for their efforts in facilitating the transfer process.
The doctors were part of the pioneer group transferred from Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) to other Universities across the country after the loss of accreditation at their initial institution before the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The graduates, who were transferred to Ebonyi State University, Kaduna State University, and Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto; highlighted the critical support they received from Bello and the Kogi state government.
Dr. Onimisi Benedict Simpa, who won 11 out of the 20 prizes for the faculty at the Kaduna State University, emerged the overall best graduating student
Dr. Anthony Edogbo, also from Kogi State, emerged the best student in Internal Medicine with a distinction, as well as Best Student in 600L
at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (Ebonyi State University).
At the Usman Danfodiyo University, another beneficiary of the full scholarship by the former Governor Yahaya Bello administration, Dr. Alfa Uredo Eunice, graduated with a Distinction in Surgery. Dr. Olugbemiro Peters also graduated with a Distinction in Surgery from the same university, among others.
