Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has hosted over 300 PhD holders trained under the Kwankwasiyya scholarship programme, describing education as the most enduring gift a leader can give society.
The scholars gathered at the maiden annual convention of Kwankwasiyya Scholars, held in Kano, marking nearly 25 years of continuous investment in human capital through the programme.
Kwankwaso, speaking at the event, reflected on the transformation of the beneficiaries, many of whom he said began their journeys from humble backgrounds.
“I remember when some of you were very young and came straight from the villages. Today, I see confidence, professionalism and even grey hair,” he said.
According to him, leadership should be judged not by short-term projects but by the lasting impact it has on people’s lives, stressing that education remains the strongest foundation for sustainable development.
A statement signed by the National President of the Kwankwasiyya Scholars Assembly, Dr Mansur Hassan, and issued in Kaduna on Thursday, said the convention brought together beneficiaries trained across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Kwankwaso disclosed that after government sponsorship of foreign students was discontinued following the 2019 general elections, he personally sustained the programme through the Kwankwasiyya Development Foundation.
“I sold properties I no longer needed in Lagos, Kaduna, Sokoto, Adamawa and other places to sponsor 370 young men and women from Kano State to study abroad,” he said.
He noted that before then, the programme had sponsored over 3,000 students within four years to study in 14 countries, producing hundreds of medical doctors, engineers, ICT experts, aviation professionals and academics, including over 300 PhD holders.
Kwankwaso said the initiative goes beyond funding education to mentoring scholars and preparing them for leadership roles in public service and governance.
He urged beneficiaries not to allow their academic achievements to distance them from grassroots engagement.
“It is not right for someone with a PhD or master’s degree to feel too big to serve at the ward level,” he cautioned.
The former governor also praised Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, for appointing several beneficiaries as commissioners and senior aides, expressing hope that some scholars would eventually rise to become governors and even president.
Also speaking, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, described the scholarship scheme as one of the most impactful human-capital development initiatives in Nigeria’s history.
In his remarks, Dr Mansur Hassan said the convention marked a defining moment for the scholars, noting that many tertiary institutions in Kano and neighbouring states depend heavily on Kwankwasiyya scholars for academic stability.
He added that the event featured award presentations, goodwill messages and testimonials from beneficiaries.
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