In a remarkable show of support for academic excellence, the Bauchi State Government has awarded N4 million in cash gifts to four students who achieved exceptional scores in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The students, who emerged as the highest scorers in the state, were each presented with N1 million during a ceremony in Bauchi on Tuesday. The event was graced by Governor Bala Mohammed, who was represented by the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mohammed underscored the significance of the gesture as a means to inspire academic diligence among Bauchi’s youth.
“Human capital development is the antidote for every development,” he said. “If you want to destroy a generation, a country, or a nation, just destroy their education system and that’s all. No need to carry a gun or any ammunition.”
He further emphasized, “If somebody can sit in Bauchi State and score 348, that tells you that our education is working. If these four can do it, it means we have many others with the potential to excel.”
The governor also urged education officials to replicate these successes.
“I’m requesting the staff of the Ministry of Education to bring more of these students to the front burner so that tomorrow, we will have like 40 of Bauchi indigenes scoring over 300 in JAMB.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Alhaji Ali Babayo, revealed that the process began months ago when the ministry requested the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to identify the state’s top scorers.
Babayo said, “The journey started when we presented our request to JAMB, and they provided the names of the four students who scored the highest marks in the 2024 examination. This gesture is to encourage students and set a good example for others to emulate.”
The celebrated students are:
Kawthar Shehu (348)
Geoffrey Yakubu (347)
Abdullahi Garba (347)
Magaji Umar (333)
In his vote of thanks, Malam Ali Garba, speaking on behalf of the students’ parents, lauded the state government for its generosity and commitment to education. He noted that the financial support would significantly aid the students in pursuing their academic aspirations.
The governor concluded by congratulating the awardees and their families while encouraging all Bauchi students to aim higher and surpass the accomplishments of the honorees.
This initiative highlights Bauchi State’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and investing in the future of its youth.
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