Katsina Government Refutes Claims of N24 Billion Spent on Medical Scholarships
The Katsina State Ministry of Information and Culture has firmly denied claims that the state government spent N24 billion on foreign scholarships for 41 medical students pursuing an MBBS in Egypt. In an official statement released, the ministry clarified that the actual amount spent was ₦2.4 billion, refuting what it called a baseless and misleading report.
Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, explained that the funds were allocated for a comprehensive five-year program that covers tuition, accommodation, books, upkeep allowances, residence permits, and airfare for the students. He emphasized that the initiative, under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, is a critical step in addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the state and strengthening the local healthcare system.
“This initiative is designed to address the long-standing shortage of healthcare professionals in the state,” Dr. Zango stated. He also highlighted that the beneficiaries were carefully selected through a thorough process that ensured fair representation from all 34 local government areas in the state.
The ministry called for an immediate retraction of the false report, warning that legal action would be pursued if the correction is not made. “Misinformation undermines public trust and disrupts meaningful discourse. Responsible reporting is key to maintaining credibility,” the statement concluded.
