The Attahiru Bafarawa Foundation, through its Giving Back Initiative, has awarded scholarships worth N123.7 million to 108 nursing science students in Sokoto state.

Presenting the awards at separate ceremonies in Sokoto on Sunday, Lawal Maidoki, chairman of the initiative, said the gesture aims to support the state’s health sector manpower development.

Mr Maidoki revealed that 55 beneficiaries are studying nursing and midwifery sciences, while 53 are enrolled in other health-related courses at Gamji College of Nursing Sciences and Al Hudah College of Health Technology.

He explained that N67.2 million was allocated to Gamji College of Nursing Sciences students, while N56.5 million was for those at Al Hudah College of Health Technology.

“This presentation is a significant step in fulfilling the Giving Back Initiative’s commitment to manpower development in health and other critical areas of human resource management,” Mr Maidoki said.

He added that the initiative remains focused on its core intervention areas, including healthcare support, water supply, food distribution, and public empowerment.

Mr Maidoki urged individuals, groups, and corporate organisations to collaborate in advancing humanitarian efforts.

He also called on wealthy individuals to emulate the former governor’s philanthropic gesture and thanked the institutions for granting a 50 per cent discount to the initiative.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, parents, and guardians, Mr Maidoki lauded Bafarawa’s dedication to supporting underprivileged students and prayed for divine rewards for his generosity.

Sagir Bafarawa, secretary of the initiative, disclosed that plans are finalised to execute developmental projects worth N10 million in each of the state’s 23 local government areas.

“This initiative appreciates the immense support our founder received from the people during his tenure as a two-time governor of Sokoto State,” he said.

He assured that similar engagements are being planned for future implementation by the Giving Back Initiative.

In their remarks, Kabir Gobir and Hazmat Gwadabawa, proprietors of the colleges, expressed gratitude and reaffirmed their commitment to producing skilled health professionals for the state.

The events featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, scholarship agreement forms, and the presentation of award letters and cheques.