Sani Bello Foundation, SBF, sponsored 2,601 students in Niger State to various tertiary institutions in Nigeria and abroad from 2017 to 2024.
Director-General , SBF, Dr Zakari Ikanni, made this known yesterday in Kontagora area during the disbursement of local scholarships to 501 students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Ikanni said the programme, which began in 2017, focuses on students from underserved and remote communities in the state.
He explained that the beneficiaries received comprehensive support, including tuition assistance, mentorship and career guidance, to ensure they are well prepared for academic and professional success.
“Since the inception of this programme, SBF has been a catalyst for educational empowerment, providing both local and international scholarships to deserving students from diverse backgrounds.
“The foundation, established with the core mission of enhancing access to quality education, has consistently worked to bridge educational gaps by offering financial aid to individuals in need.
“From 2017 to 2024, it has significantly expanded its scholarship reach. In Nigerian and foreign institutions, 2,601 students have benefited from these opportunities,” he said.
The director-general said institutions such as Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, IBBU, Lapai; Sokoto State University, Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University, Kano had received ongoing support, with the number of beneficiaries growing yearly.
According to him, for 2024, 501 students received scholarships, marking one of the foundation’s largest annual intake.
In addition to its local impact, it also supports students in countries like Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, China and Niger Republic.
He said while the international programme is smaller in scale compared to local efforts, it remains a vital part of the foundation’s mission.
He said the scholarship scheme covers a range of specialisations, including education, medicine, law, engineering and the social sciences.
“In 2024, 169 students were supported in the field of education, followed by 54 in medicine and health-related courses,” he said. (NAN)
