By: Abdullahi Inuwa
— Yobe marches boldly into a new era of human capital development
In a sweeping and unprecedented intervention that has sent waves of excitement across Yobe State, Governor His Excellency Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, has approved full scholarships for 28,346 students and ordered the doubling of all student allowances, marking what many stakeholders describe as the single largest educational investment in the state’s history.
The announcement, delivered through the Yobe State Scholarship Board on Wednesday, has drawn resounding applause from students, parents, educators, and community leaders who say the move could redefine the academic landscape of the state for years to come.
At a time when families across Nigeria continue to grapple with rising costs of living and shrinking household incomes, the governor’s approval comes as a lifeline. For many parents, sending their children to tertiary institutions has become an uphill battle. But with Buni’s sweeping directive, thousands of households now see hope restored.
Under the new approval, allowances for feeding, accommodation, books, transportation, and special support categories have been doubled—ensuring that students not only gain access to education but also receive the resources needed to thrive academically.
“This is not just an educational decision; this is a social rescue package,” said a senior education official in Damaturu. “Governor Buni has shown once again that he understands the challenges facing ordinary families.”
The scholarship covers a diverse range of beneficiaries, including returning undergraduates, postgraduate students, fresh tertiary entrants, and those undergoing specialized professional training in Nigeria and abroad. Officials say the scholarship board recorded one of the highest application totals ever this year, a reflection of both the economic pressure on families and the confidence students have in the state’s scholarship system.
With this approval, Yobe becomes one of the very few states offering large-scale, equitable educational support to both male and female students across all local government areas.
At the University of Maiduguri, Yobe State University, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, and institutions across the country, news of the approval spread like wildfire. Student associations held spontaneous gatherings, with many describing the move as “a turning point in Yobe’s education history.”
Fatima Musa, a medical student from Potiskum, said the doubled allowances will help her cover clinical equipment she had struggled to afford.
“This is the first time I feel seen by government,” she said.
“Medical training is expensive, and many of us were already contemplating dropping out. This has changed everything.”
Another beneficiary, Sulaiman Abdullahi, a postgraduate student studying engineering in Kaduna, said the scholarship came at the exact moment he needed it most.
“The economy has been tight, and we needed help. Buni has shown he is intentional about building future professionals,” he said.
Education experts say the governor’s decision aligns with global best practices that emphasize human capital development as the foundation of strong economies. They note that Yobe’s consistent focus on rebuilding schools, improving teacher training, and supporting students financially has positioned the state as a rising educational model in northern Nigeria.
“This intervention will increase enrolment, reduce dropout rates, and create a pipeline of skilled graduates ready for modern jobs,” said an education analyst in Abuja.
The National Union of Yobe Students (NUYS) issued a formal statement praising the governor’s leadership:
“Governor Buni has listened to the cries of students and responded with wisdom and compassion. He has written his name boldly in the book of educational progress.”
Since taking office, Governor Buni has prioritized human capital development as a pillar of his administration. His reforms in basic education, teacher recruitment, school rehabilitation, and digital learning continue to attract national and international commendations.
With Wednesday’s approval, analysts say the governor has further demonstrated that his education agenda is not merely political rhetoric, but a sustained, long-term strategy for the growth of Yobe State.
“This is what transformational governance looks like,” said a civil society leader in Gashua.
“Education is the only currency that never loses value, and Buni is investing heavily.”
Parents across the state have also responded with gratitude. In Geidam, a community leader described the scholarship as “a gift that will break generational poverty.” Others in Damaturu noted that the relief from financial pressure will allow families to channel resources into small businesses and household needs.
The decision, they say, has ripple effects: better-educated youth reduce crime, unemployment, radicalization, and dependency on government aid.
As the news continues to spread, excitement remains palpable across the state. For many students, the approval is more than financial relief—it is validation, inspiration, and a clear message from government that their dreams matter.
With 28,346 scholarships approved and allowances doubled, Yobe has entered a new chapter—one powered by knowledge, opportunity, and the unmistakable will of a leader who believes in the potential of his people.
Governor Buni’s latest intervention is not just policy; it is a legacy in motion, one that generations of Yobe youths will remember as the moment their futures were given wings.
Abdullahi Inuwa Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
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