Two hundred students from Niger East Senatorial District have departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to begin undergraduate studies in India and China, under the Senator Mohammed Sani Musa International Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme.
Regarded by community leaders and parents as a transformative investment in the district’s future, the programme is said to be the largest overseas scholarship initiative ever facilitated by an elected representative from Niger East.
Speaking on behalf of the Senator during the send-off, his wife, Hajia Saadatu Sani Musa, stated that the scheme was introduced to close educational gaps and provide global exposure for students, with the goal of grooming professionals who will return to contribute to the development of Niger State and Nigeria.
“This is not merely about sending students abroad; it is about raising a generation of thinkers, builders, and innovators equipped to transform Niger East and the nation,” she said.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, focused, and mindful of their purpose, urging them to embrace the opportunity as a responsibility. “Opportunity without discipline is wasted, and talent without hard work is buried treasure. You are going as ambassadors of Niger East, nurtured in the values of respect, integrity, and community spirit. Remember: our tomorrow must be better than today, and that begins with the education of our children,” she added.
Parents present at the airport described the initiative as life-changing. Malam Abdullahi, whose child was among the beneficiaries, said, “This is more than a scholarship—it is a ladder out of poverty and a ticket to a future we could only dream of.”
Traditional and religious leaders also praised the programme for creating tangible opportunities for youth empowerment.
India and China were chosen for their universities’ strengths in fields such as medicine, engineering, technology, and management sciences. The programme is expected to offer students both academic excellence and cross-cultural exposure, alongside leadership development.
Senator Musa has expressed his commitment to expanding the scheme in the coming years, reaffirming his focus on education as a cornerstone of his legislative and philanthropic efforts.
As the students made their way through the departure gates, Hajia Saadatu offered a heartfelt prayer: “Go forth, shine, and may Almighty Allah guide your steps, protect you, and crown your efforts with resounding success. Safe journey, our pride. Your story of success has just begun.”
For the Niger East Senatorial District, this initiative marks a milestone in human capital development and an investment in the next generation of leaders.