The Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, and Deputy Chairman Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko on Tuesday issued certificates to no fewer than one hundred graduates he sponsored in Nigeria and abroad.
The benefiting students had successfully pursued various first, second and third degrees in various fields at the University of Lahore Pakistan, Maryam Abacha American University Maradi, Niger Republic and ISFOP University, Benin Republic.
Speaking at the event, Sen. Wamakko described education as the most formidable panacea to the myriad of challenges facing the country.
Wamakko also advocated for the use of indigenous languages in pursuing studies for easy understanding and development, citing examples with some developed countries that use such indigenous languages.
Wamakko further explained that, he decided to sponsor the education of indigent youths in the bid to contribute his quota to the development of education.
The former Governor of Sokoto state also described education as the bedrock of societal development, according to a statement on Tuesday by his media aide Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal.
Senator Wammako said: “The education of the next generation is key to addressing numerous of challenges militating against societal growth.
“They include insecurity and other social vices. Therefore, I am calling on the graduates to use the knowledge they had acquired towards the development of the society.”
Senator Wamakko personally shouldered the scholarship awards that range from the payment of tuition fees, hostel accommodation, up-keep allowances and other academic needs of the beneficiaries.
Wamakko also disclosed that so many other students he sponsors are currently undergoing various courses in several Nigerian Universities and abroad,, while they will soon complete their studies.
Delivering a paper on the importance of education, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza, called for the massive investment on education, as it is the bedrock of societal development.
Professor Mukhtar Bunza, who was the Guest Speaker at the occasion further commended Senator Wamakko for his relentless efforts towards giving opportunity to less previleged students to study and fulfill their dreams.
He commended him for his efforts in establishing the Sokoto State University during his tenure as the Governor of Sokoto State and also establishing a private University, the North West University in Sokoto State
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion, former Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania, Ambassador Sahabi Isa Gada called on the graduates to use the knowledge they had acquired judiciously.
He also commended Senator Wamakko for the invaluable gesture.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr Bello Attahiru Abubakar, who graduated from the University of Lahore Pakistan, thanked Senator Wamakko for giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education.
He assured that they will use their knowledge in contributing their quota to the development of the society.
The major highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the certificates to the elated graduates.
