Niger govt to sponsor 2,000 students for medical courses in Nigerian institutions

The Niger State Government is set to support 2,000 students to study medical-related courses across various health institutions in the country.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this when he received the management team of a private medical institution, Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Osun State, on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Minna.

The Governor said his administration remains committed to improving the health sector in the state. Hence, the decision to support medical students is aimed at addressing the shortage of health personnel, especially at Primary Health Centres.

He revealed that out of the 2,000 students, who will be selected from all 25 local government areas of the state, 250 will be sent to Mercy Medical University under a partnership between the state government and the institution.

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The Governor further explained that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed to that effect and gazetted by the State House of Assembly to ensure continuity beyond the present administration.

He also mentioned that prior to this initiative, 1,000 Nigerlites, including 100 Fulanis, had been screened for similar studies overseas to provide medical services within their local communities.

Responding to the naming of a newly constructed Senate building at the university after him, the Governor expressed appreciation to the Governing Council and the Senate for the honor, describing it as memorable.

The Governor reiterated the importance of investing in agriculture due to its vast value chain, adding that Niger State remains open to more investments in the sector.

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Mercy Medical University, Iwo, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Sule, commended the Governor’s tireless efforts in improving the lives of citizens.

He said the management of the institution had conducted a survey and rated Governor Bago as the best-performing governor, thus deciding to immortalize him by naming the university’s new Senate building in his honor.

Prof. Sule described the Governor’s efforts in agriculture, health, and infrastructural development as remarkable and expressed the institution’s readiness to partner with the Niger State Government in the training of health personnel.

Former Niger State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, who led the institution’s delegation, praised Governor Bago’s exemplary leadership.

He described him as a visionary leader whose developmental strides have placed the state on the global map.