Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has hosted more than 300 doctorate degree holders produced through the Kwankwasiyya scholarship scheme at the first annual convention of Kwankwasiyya scholars in Kano.
Kwankwaso described education as the most lasting legacy of leadership, stressing that meaningful governance is measured by long-term investment in human capital rather than short-term achievements.
The event, organised by beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, brought together scholars trained over nearly 25 years across different countries and disciplines.
A statement issued by the National President of the Kwankwasiyya Scholars Assembly, Dr Mansur Hassan, said the gathering marked a historic milestone for Kano State and the nation.
Addressing the scholars, Kwankwaso recalled their humble beginnings and expressed pride in their transformation into accomplished professionals.
“Many of you came from modest backgrounds. Today, I see confidence, professionalism and excellence,” he said, noting that leadership should be assessed by its enduring impact on people’s lives.
Kwankwaso revealed that after government sponsorship of foreign students was halted following the 2019 elections, he personally sustained the programme through the Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation.
He said he sold personal properties across several states to fund overseas education for hundreds of Kano youths.
According to him, the initiative had earlier sponsored over 3,000 students to study in 14 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
He said the programme has produced hundreds of medical doctors and specialists, pilots, engineers, ICT professionals, academics and researchers, including more than 300 PhD holders.
Beyond academic sponsorship, Kwankwaso said the foundation focuses on mentoring and integrating beneficiaries into governance and national development, urging scholars not to distance themselves from grassroots engagement because of their qualifications.
He commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for appointing several beneficiaries into key government positions and expressed optimism that scholars from the programme would eventually emerge as governors and national leaders.
Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo described the scholarship scheme as one of Nigeria’s most impactful human-capital development initiatives, while Dr Mansur Hassan said many institutions in Kano and neighbouring states rely heavily on Kwankwasiyya scholars for academic stability.
The convention featured award presentations, testimonials and goodwill messages from beneficiaries.
