Ex-Reps member spends over N40m on sponsorship of 22 orphans in Jigawa
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
A former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Magaji Da’u Aliyu, has sponsored 22 orphans from Birninkudu and Buji local government areas of Jigawa State studying Community Health courses at the ALU College of Health Science and Technology, Birnin Kudu.
The intervention is to address the shortage of healthcare personnel in rural communities in the area.
According to the coordinator of the scholarship programme, Malam Haladu Maigari, a male and female were selected from each ward in Birninkudu/Buji Federal Constituency.
Maigari told The Syndicate that Aliyu is solely responsible for the academic and welfare needs of the students.
“He has spent over ₦40 million on registration and tuition fees for the students, who were carefully screened and confirmed to be brilliant orphans from the constituency,” Maigari said.
He added that Aliyu, an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, has funded the students’ education from admission to their current level, as they approach the completion of their programmes.
“Just this week, he paid their outstanding national examination fees estimated at about ₦15 million” he added.
Maigari said that Aliyu, who represented the federal constituency between 2015 and 2023, has continued with the intervention even after leaving office.
“This is not a government project. He started and sustained it on his own, even after leaving office. Such commitment is hard to find,” he said.
The coordinator disclosed plans to sponsor another batch of beneficiaries, which may exceed the current number.
The programme is widely seen as a major boost to human capital development in the area, particularly in strengthening local healthcare system through the training of skilled personnel.
