Four exceptional Bauchi indigenous children who achieved the highest scores in the 2024 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam were given N4 million in cash yesterday by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State to help them with their academic endeavours at higher education institutions.
Kawthar Shehu achieved the highest score of 348, followed by Geoffrey Yakubu (347), Abdullahi Garba (347), and Magaji Umar (333). All of these pupils received one million from the governor.
Governor Bala stated that the purpose of the cash distribution to beneficiaries was to inspire others, particularly those who would soon take the same test.
Yahuza Adamu Haruna, the State Head of Service (HOS), spoke on behalf of Bala, who said the gift demonstrated the state government’s dedication to funding the development of human capital.
He stated, “Human capital development is the antidote for every development, and if you want to destroy a generation, a country or a nation, just kill their education system, and that‘s all. There is no need to carry a gun or any ammunition.
“Once the people are not educated, they are already destroyed, and this is why the government has been working round the clock to see that education is not only given attention but also given the greatest priority.
“If somebody can sit in Bauchi state and score 348, that tells you that our education is working, and if these four can do it, it means we have so many others that have the potential to do it also.
“I‘m requesting for the staff of the Ministry of Education to go back and see how we can reciprocate what the governor is doing by bringing more of these students to the front burner so that tomorrow, we will have like 40 of Bauchi indigenes that scored over 300 in JAMB.“
In addition to congratulating the pupils and their parents, he encouraged all students from Bauchi State to take advantage of the opportunity and strive to outperform the recipients.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Alhaji Ali Babayo, also spoke and praised the governor for fostering an atmosphere that would allow the state’s education policies to be implemented.
“The journey started some months ago when we presented our request to the JAMB office to give us the names of four outstanding students of Bauchi state indigenes who performed wonderfully in the 2024 examination.
“They honoured our request and submitted the names of the four students who scored the highest mark in the JAMB examination.
“This gesture is to encourage the students and set a good example for others to emulate, especially those about to sit for the same examination,” he said.
Malam Ali Garba expressed gratitude on behalf of the parents of the youngster for the state government’s thoughtful gift, stating that the funds will support their academic pursuits at their respective high schools.