KEY POINTS

• 117 northern students head to Algeria on full scholarships.

• The Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi Foundation secured 140 slots for Nigerian beneficiaries.

• Recipients urged to uphold Nigeria’s image and remain focused on their studies.

A total of 117 students from northern Nigeria have departed for Algeria to pursue degrees in medicine, engineering, and other disciplines under a fully funded scholarship facilitated by the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.

Speaking during a send-forth and orientation ceremony held in Bauchi, the foundation’s chairman, Sayyadi Aliyu, said the programme was secured through the Darika Tijjaniyya Islamic Sect in partnership with the Algerian government. He explained that while 140 slots were obtained, only 117 applicants met all the necessary requirements, with the remainder expected to join later once they complete their documentation.

Aliyu said Bauchi State, being the foundation’s base, produced the highest number of beneficiaries, while others came from Gombe, Taraba, Yobe and several other northern states.

Focus on medicine and engineering

According to him, 50 of the scholarships were allocated for medicine, while the rest were distributed across other fields including computer science, engineering, and Islamic studies. He said the scholarships would cover feeding, accommodation, healthcare, and other essential needs throughout the students’ stay in Algeria.

Aliyu advised the beneficiaries to remain disciplined and law-abiding, reminding them that they represent both Nigeria and those who made the opportunity possible. “You must be good ambassadors of Nigeria,” he said, adding that the students had already been introduced to Arabic and French to help them adapt quickly.

He stressed that Islam values the pursuit of knowledge and cautioned the students against distractions, urging them to focus on acquiring skills and understanding that would serve humanity.

Emir urges students to uphold Nigeria’s image

The Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, commended the initiative and advised the students to protect Nigeria’s reputation while abroad. He lamented that Nigerians are sometimes viewed negatively overseas and encouraged them to change that perception through good conduct and academic excellence.

“The Nigerian flag has in many instances been blackened abroad, contrary to its true green-white-green identity,” the Emir said. “You must uphold this symbol with dignity and commit yourselves to the pursuit of knowledge.”

The scholarship, one of several undertaken by the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, is part of ongoing efforts to expand access to education and empower young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national and religious development, according to Punch.