By Musa Ubandawaki in Sokoto

SOKOTO: The first batch of 42 students of Sokoto indigenes who were beneficiaries of the Senator Ibrahim Lamido Education Trust Fund will depart Nigeria this week for India for studies.

Senator Lamido ( APC) Sokoto East who spoke in his Sokoto residence on Sunday when parents of the benefiting students came to sign consent forms with their wards, appealed to the students to be of good conduct while in the foreign land stands as good ambassadors of their respective families, state and Nigeria.

Represented by Dr. Umar Yahaya Namahe, Senator Lamido reminded the benefiting students that, ‘”No community can excel and attain the desired development without sound education”.

While stressing that, no fewer than 1.2bn will be expended on each of the 42 beneficiaries each year, Senator Lamido expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the various screenings carried out on the students.

“‘I am highly happy that all these fortunate students have been screened and given good commendation by both NDLEA, and all other relevant health agencies”, Sen. Lamido enthused.

Professors Mu’azu Shamaki Isa while addressing the benefiting students and their parents who came to sign consent forms.

said with this development, all he nay sayers should be ashamed of themselves as beneficiaries are set to depart Nigeria for India.

Shamaki further affirmed that the Senator’s huge investment in education is the right step towards lifting the generation yet unborn out of the grip of poverty and insecurity that is pervasive in the Senator Senatorial district.

“”Some are circulating false messages that Senator Ibrahim Lamido Education Trust fund was simply a scam. “But we are here today to let the world know and see that, the benefiting students are leaving Nigeria for India soon as every necessary arrangements has been completed, ” we are also appealing to the senator to extend the gesture to other senatorial districts of the state subsequently.

“”All their tuition fees, feeding, accommodation and visa has been paid. And the Senator has also graciously approved a monthly maintenance stipend for each of the benefitting students”, Prof Shamaki noted.

The former chairman of Isa local government in Sokoto East senatorial district, Isa Abullahi Gajit appealed to parents of benefiting students to advise their wards against negative influence while outside the shores of this country.

‘”And luckily, all those selected are children whose parents can not afford sponsoring them to study abroad if not for the scholarship opportunity given by Senator Lamido.

“”You will certainly meet cultural shock, religious diversity, and all other forms of lifestyle that is strange to you while in India. But remain committed to the reason of your being there and never be carried away. Always remember where you are coming from. Go and study and not otherwise”.

One of the benefiting students parent, Sanusi Sani from Goronyo local government who spoke on behalf of others thanked Senator Lamido for the gesture.