KATSINA STATE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE

PRESS RELEASE 

1st January, 2025.

The attention of Katsina state government has been drawn to false accusations by The Guardian Newspaper alleging that, the State spent N24 Billion Naira on Scholarships for Medical students sponsored to study MBBS Medicine in Egypt.

While it is true that,  Katsina State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON sponsored 41 youths of Katsina state Indigene to study MBBS Medicine Egypt. However, the fact remains that, the state Government spent N2.4 Billion Naira only, as against the figure originally quoted by the Guardian Newspapers.

It is important to note that, the 2.4 billion Naira spent on foreign scholarships included Tuition Fees,  Accommodation, Books and upkeep Allowances, Residence permit, etc all for 5 years. as well as their Air Tickets (to and from Egypt).

The foreign Scholarship is a part of Government efforts to improve the healthcare sector in the state. This investment is crucial for ensuring that medical students receive the necessary training and education of international standards to become competent healthcare professionals. 

Furthermore, the aim is to fill the gap of manpower in the state's health Sector to meet the challenging health needs for people of the state.

By sending students abroad for their studies, they are exposed to different healthcare systems, technologies, and practices that can enrich their knowledge and skills, ultimately benefiting the state's healthcare system.

It is pertinent to state here that, the funds were allocated based on a rigorous selection process, whereby only the most qualified students were chosen for the scholarships, at least one student from each of the 34 Local Government Areas of the State. 

This ensures that the investment made by the government is utilized effectively and that the students who benefit from the scholarships are capable of making meaningful contributions to the healthcare sector upon their return.

The Guardian Newspaper is believed to have misquoted His Excellency State Deputy Governor,  Malam Farouk Lawal, HCIB, (Sarkin Fulanin Jobe) during a press briefing yesterday 31st December, 2024. The monthly Press Briefing is an important step to keep the good people of Katsina informed  on how their funds are utilized responsibly and for the benefit of the state.

Transparency in government spending is crucial for building trust with the public and ensuring that funds are allocated equitably and efficiently.

It is also important to understand that, as stated earlier, the state Government decision to send students abroad for medical studies, is to improve on exiting manpower in the health sector. This will help to overcome the limitations of indigenous Medical Doctors in the state's healthcare system. This will ultimately benefit the state by producing competent healthcare professionals who can address the healthcare needs of the population effectively.

We wish to further emphasize that, the figures reported by Guardian Newspapers, stating that 24 billion Naira was expended on foreign scholarship for medical students, the figure was inaccurate and misleading. This statement wish to further state that only 2.4 billion Naira was spent on the scholarships, 

Accurate reporting is essential for facilitating informed public discourse. we therefore wish to call on the public to disregard this misleading and inaccurate Reporting.

Katsina State Government under the leadership of the state Governor His Excellency Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON is committed to investing in the education and training of healthcare professionals as a strategic priority. By prioritizing the development of human capital in the healthcare sector to meet the health needs of the populace.

We are by this press statement calling on the Guardian Newspaper to write corrigendum and retract their false reportage within the shortest possible time. Failure to do, the state has no other option than to take a legal action against the Newspaper 

While we acknowledge the role of the media in holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency in government operations. However, the media is expected to adhere to professional ethics by reporting accurately and objectively 

Dr Bala Salisu Zango Honorable Commissioner of Information and Culture Katsina State.