As part of efforts to expand access to education and support vulnerable groups, the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman, has disbursed ₦100 million towards NECO examination fees and community welfare initiatives in his constituency.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the NECO Scholarship Initiative in Kaduna South Local Government Area. According to Liman, ₦40 million has been allocated to cover the NECO registration fees of 1,000 secondary school students, while ₦60 million is being distributed as Eid relief packages to party stakeholders and underprivileged residents of Makera and Kaduna South.
Speaking at the event, Liman, who represents the Makera Constituency, explained that the scholarship initiative began in 2016 with just 100 beneficiaries but has now grown to accommodate 1,000 students. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the programme beyond his current term as Speaker, describing education as the most effective means of empowering young people.
Reflecting on his political journey, Liman said, “I have spent eight years in the House of Assembly and never received ₦8 million at once. At one point, I was suspended and even suffered spinal paralysis. Only Governor Uba Sani came to my rescue.”
He commended Governor Sani’s leadership, praising his achievements over the past two years, which he said have surpassed those of the previous administration. “Governor Uba Sani has remained focused on delivering projects without distractions. He has not borrowed a kobo but is financing development from personal resources. I am confident he will complete all abandoned projects inherited from the last administration,” the Speaker added.
Liman also encouraged more female students to apply for the next round of the scholarship and pledged to sponsor candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Additionally, he revealed that resit fees have already been paid for over 500 students who previously failed their NECO examinations.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Malam Sani Liman Kila, described the Speaker’s intervention as a significant boost to human capital development. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving security, education, and social infrastructure. “Before now, many routes such as Birnin Gwari were considered dangerous, but they are now safe to travel under this administration,” he noted.
Beneficiaries of the NECO scholarship were drawn from seven public secondary schools, including ASD Makera, GSS Makera, GDSS Barnawa, GDSS Kakuri, GDSS Maimuna Gwarzo, and GDSS Television. Principals from the schools attended the event to show their support.
Also speaking at the occasion, the APC Chairman of Kaduna South, Hon. Yakubu Ibrahim Soso, praised the Speaker’s initiative, describing it as an investment in future leadership. Similarly, a member of the Ulama Council, Mallam Ibrahim Mahe, highlighted the importance of education in reducing social vices and fostering development. He urged the scholarship recipients to excel in their studies and take full advantage of the opportunity.
