In a decisive move to strengthen healthcare capacity and support education, the Katsina State Government has approved ₦305,510,507.09 in allowances for 565 indigenous medical students. The announcement was made by Dr. Muhammad Nazir Shehu, General Manager of the Katsina State Hospital Services Management Board (HSMB), during a press briefing in Katsina.
The beneficiaries include students enrolled in medical programs across Nigerian universities and abroad. The funds are intended to ease financial burdens and encourage the completion of medical training, especially for final-year students engaged in clinical rotations and research projects.
“This initiative is part of Governor Dikko Radda’s ‘Building Your Future’ agenda, which prioritizes human capital development through strategic investments in education and healthcare,” Dr. Shehu stated.
The disbursement follows a similar intervention in September, when the state approved ₦372 million in bursaries for over 24,000 students in tertiary institutions. The government says these efforts are aimed at reducing dropout rates and ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals to serve in Katsina’s healthcare system.
The allowances will be distributed through the HSMB, which has been tasked with verifying student records and ensuring transparency in the payment process.
Education advocates have praised the move, noting that it could help address the shortage of medical personnel in rural areas and improve access to quality healthcare across the state.
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