Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved and released a total sum of N714.98 million to support overseas education and training of indigene students.

The state Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar-Tunga, made this known while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

He said the approvals formed part of Mr Idris’ efforts to revamp tertiary education in the state and align it with global standards.

He explained that the governor approved N247.5 million for the payment of registration, tuition, visa extension, internship and financial assistance for Kebbi indigenes studying medicine, pharmacy, and medical and allied sciences at Subharti University, GD Goenka University and Jaipur National University, India.

According to him, the governor approved N117.68 million as upkeep allowances for 25 Kebbi State indigenes studying medicine in seven universities in Egypt.

The commissioner added that N70.21 million was also released as financial assistance to the state’s indigenes studying pharmacy and medical sllied sciences in Jaipur National and GD Goenka Universities in India.

Mr Abubakar-Tunga stated that the governor approved and released N349.73 million for registration, tuition and upkeep allowances for 35 Kebbi State indigenes proceeding to Ethiopia to study medicine and pharmacy.

He said the approvals, all granted in January brought the total financial commitment of the governor to the ministry within the period to N714.98 million.

The commissioner also announced the appointment of Dr Muhammed Murtala-Musa as the pioneer Provost of Kauran Gwandu College of Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa.

He added that the ministry remained committed to sustaining the governor’s educational development initiatives in the state.

(NAN)