Governor Mai Mala Buni has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, with a steadfast focus on the future. From his first day in office, he has been driven by a commitment to long-term impact, always asking critical questions about the policies he enacts and their influence on Yobe State years down the line. Nowhere is this forward-thinking approach more evident than in his administration’s declaration of an emergency in the education sector at the beginning of his tenure.
Emerging from years of insurgency, Yobe State faced significant challenges, particularly in meeting the skilled manpower needs critical for sustainable development in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and technology. Governor Buni recognized that addressing this gap required bold and transformative action. This led to the launch of the Recovery Through Education and Scholarships (RETES) framework—a strategic initiative designed to use education as a springboard for recovery and development.
The RETES Framework: Empowering a Brighter Future
The RETES framework is built on five pillars, each addressing specific educational and manpower needs:
- Buni Foreign Scholarships Scheme (BFSS)
- International Scholarships Scheme (ISS)
- Professional Mandatory Certification Scholarship Scheme (PMCS)
- Tertiary Institutions Teacher Training Scheme (TITTS)
- French and Arabic Mandatory Graduate Courses
Each component aims to equip Yobe’s youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the state’s socio-economic growth. Thousands of students have benefitted, with many pursuing advanced studies in Nigeria and abroad.
A Landmark Achievement: The Buni Foreign Scholarships Scheme
One of the most celebrated programs under RETES is the Buni Foreign Scholarships Scheme (BFSS). In January 2021, 233 students were sent to prestigious universities in India to study various fields, including:
- Medical Sciences: Pharmacy, Nursing, Radiology, and Physiotherapy
- Engineering: Civil and Petroleum Engineering
- Science & Technology: ICT, Medical Laboratory Science, and Agriculture
- Other Fields: Law, Commerce, and more
As of today, 189 of these students have graduated, with the remainder nearing completion. To celebrate this milestone, Governor Buni recently hosted 171 graduates at a homecoming event at the Government House in Damaturu. The gathering was filled with hope and optimism as the graduates expressed their eagerness to contribute to the state’s development.
Investing in Education Despite Challenges
Governor Buni’s administration has prioritized education even amidst economic challenges. The depreciation of the naira and rising costs of foreign exchange significantly increased the program’s expenses. Yet, the government persisted, reflecting its strong belief in the transformative power of education. As Governor Buni noted:
“Our investment in education is predicated on the firm belief in the direct relationship between education and development. The ability to overcome challenges lies in our efficiency and technical know-how, which can only be achieved through education.”
The governor emphasized that many students were deliberately sponsored in medical sciences to support Yobe’s healthcare system, including plans to establish functional Primary Healthcare Centres in all 178 electoral wards across the state.
Broadening the Horizons of Education
The commitment to education under Governor Buni extends far beyond foreign scholarships. Over 38,000 domestic students benefit annually from scholarships, while 400 students pursue BSc, MSc, and PhD programs in countries like Turkey, Malaysia, Jordan, the USA, and the UK. Additionally, hundreds of law graduates are sponsored through the Nigeria Law School, and programs like the TITTS and PMCS ensure that graduates are equipped with advanced qualifications.
Prof. Muhammad Bello Kawuwa, Commissioner for Higher Education, highlighted the outstanding conduct and academic excellence of Yobe students abroad, noting how their achievements reflect positively on the state. Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the State’s Scholarships Board, Prof. Abubakar Kagu, commended the program’s impact on the lives of beneficiaries.
A Vision Realized: Yobe’s Bright Future
The impact of Governor Buni’s educational investments is already visible. The Buni Scholars are returning as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and other professionals, ready to close the skilled manpower gap in Yobe State. This aligns with the administration’s broader goal of building a robust healthcare system and fostering economic growth through a well-educated workforce.
In the words of Abdullahi Bego, Yobe’s Commissioner for Information, the program marks:
“A bold, hopeful, and incandescent future… One that we can all look forward to as Yobeans.”
Governor Buni’s dedication to education is reshaping the narrative of Yobe State. His administration’s commitment to empowering youth through quality education ensures that the state is on a path toward sustained recovery, growth, and prosperity. The future of Yobe is indeed bright, and its students are the shining beacons of hope.
For more updates on Governor Buni’s initiatives and Yobe State’s progress, stay tuned to our website.