GOV. GANDUJE SEEKS AUSTRALIAN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR KANO YOUTHS

Kano state government has appealed the government of Australia to make available scholarships to indigenes of the state, to enable them acquire post graduate education and professional development in the country.

The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who made the call while receiving the Australian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. John Richardson in his office, noted that the country’s scholarship awards are a keystone of its development assistance programme for African countries.

 

The scholarship programme which covers countries like Nigeria, Benin, Niger, Cameroon, Gabon and Gambia is aimed to support progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals. 

“Naturally, because of our population, Kano being the most populous state in Nigeria, we are looking forward to your country’s scholarship opportunity for our young men and women so that they can further their education and contribute more meaningfully to nation building”, governor Ganduje solicited.

He also told the envoy that Kano has abundant opportunity in the agricultural sector, assuring that his administration would provide enabling environment to Australian investors to contribute towards the development of the sector in the state.

Governor Ganduje also pointed out that Kano has huge potential for renewable energy even though it is at the moment constructing Independent Power Plants which cannot cater for its entire electricity needs. He, therefore, urged the Australian ambassador to encourage investors from his country to explore opportunities in the solar energy sector in the state.

He also explained to the envoy that the state is not relenting in its fight against Polio and commended the Australian government for its support to the Nigeria’s Polio eradication programme.

 

Earlier, Ambassador John Richardson explained that Australian companies are involved the agricultural development, mining and development of infrastructure at several places in Nigeria.

He also stated his country’s involvement in the eradication of Polio in Northern Nigeria and is working with Fistula Foundation for the improvement of the welfare of women.

Additionally, the Envoy said that his country is funding some grassroots projects in Nigeria pointing out that his country is keen on working with the government and people of Kano state for reciprocal benefit.