Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has officially bid farewell to 200 Plateau indigenes awarded scholarships to study at Sanskaram University, New Delhi, India, in key disciplines including Medical Sciences, Engineering, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The farewell ceremony, held at the National Youth Centre behind Shere Hills in Gwafan, Jos North Local Government Area, underscored the state government’s commitment to education and human capital development.
Addressing the students, Governor Mutfwang described the scholarship as a rare opportunity and a trust bestowed on them by the people of Plateau State. He urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to academic excellence, reminding them that they would serve as ambassadors of Plateau State and Nigeria during their stay in India.
The governor charged the students to uphold integrity, respect the laws and culture of their host country, and take full advantage of the exposure and skills they would acquire, particularly in technology-driven fields critical to global development. He further encouraged them to return home after their studies to contribute meaningfully to the growth and progress of Plateau State, assuring them of his administration’s continued support.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Mutfwang presented the students with their passports and flight tickets, confirming the readiness of all travel arrangements and the state government’s full backing for the programme.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Kachollom Pyam Gang, described the initiative as historic, noting that it was uncommon for a state government to sponsor 200 students abroad simultaneously. She commended Governor Mutfwang for his vision and sacrifice, stating that the programme would leave a lasting legacy in Plateau State’s educational history.
Dr. Gang congratulated the beneficiaries on securing admission into a reputable Indian university, attributing their selection to hard work, discipline, and excellence. She urged them to remain focused, obey the laws of their host country, and return home with knowledge and skills that would drive development in the state.
Also speaking, the Ujah of Anaguta, His Royal Majesty Johnson Jauro Magaji, praised the governor for his commitment to the future of Plateau State and described the scholarship scheme as unprecedented. He prayed for the students’ success and urged them to promote unity and represent the state with pride.
The Controller of the Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs. Linda Fom, advised the students to strictly adhere to immigration regulations, avoid drugs and illegal activities, and use their study visas solely for academic purposes. She reminded them to respect the sacrifices made by the state government and their parents and to return home safely.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Mrs. Fabong Hope Adanchin expressed gratitude to Governor Mutfwang for extending educational opportunities to children from diverse backgrounds, including orphans and the less privileged, and offered prayers for divine guidance for the governor.
Some of the beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the scholarship. Jelbak Plangnan Wilfred, who will study Radiography and Imaging Technology, described the opportunity as life-changing, while Chumle Nanshep James, a prospective Optometry student, said the scholarship had lifted a significant burden off his family.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Education Secretary, Mrs. Nankus A. Ngwalang, thanked Governor Mutfwang for the initiative and appreciated parents, traditional leaders, and stakeholders for their support, while praying for the students’ success and safe return.
The event marked another milestone in Plateau State’s efforts to empower its youth through education and global exposure.
