A member of the House of Representatives, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has approved the release of ₦10 million for the second phase of a scholarship initiative targeting indigent students of Kaduna State University.
The lawmaker, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, said the intervention builds on an earlier ₦12 million disbursed under Phase I before his inauguration into the 10th National Assembly.
The scholarship scheme, named the “Bashir El-Rufai Scholarship Fund” in honour of his family patriarch, is expected to be concluded within a week, with a committee already constituted to oversee a transparent selection process.
Speaking on the initiative, El-Rufai said the programme was designed to expand access to education for students from low-income backgrounds.
“This intervention is about giving hope to students who have the potential but lack the financial means. Education remains the strongest tool for social mobility,” he said.
He added that his office would collaborate closely with the university’s management to ensure fairness and efficiency.
“We will work hand-in-hand with KASU to guarantee a swift and transparent process that reflects equity and merit,” he stated.
Strict Guidelines for Inclusion
To ensure fairness and diversity, the committee was given clear terms of reference, including a prohibition against members nominating their relatives.
“No committee member can add his or her family member as a beneficiary. That is unethical and must be handled privately, if at all,” El-Rufai warned.
The guidelines also mandate inclusivity across gender, religion, and ability:
At least 20 female beneficiaries
Minimum of 20 beneficiaries from the Christian community in Kaduna North
At least 10 persons living with disabilities
Public Applause
The initiative has drawn praise from residents and stakeholders across Kaduna North, many describing it as timely and impactful.
A community leader, Malam Sani Abdullahi, commended the gesture, noting that it would ease the burden on struggling families.
“This is a thoughtful and inclusive programme. Many parents have been unable to pay school fees, and this will go a long way in supporting them,” he said.
Similarly, a student activist, Grace Daniel, applauded the emphasis on gender and religious balance.
“It’s encouraging to see deliberate inclusion of women and minority communities. This is how leadership should be—fair and people-focused,” she said.
Another resident, Joseph Kaura, described the scholarship as a “model intervention.”
“If more leaders adopt this kind of transparent and inclusive approach, it will restore public confidence in governance,” he added.
Next Steps
El-Rufai urged previous applicants who had sought support to re-submit their requests, assuring that additional assistance may be considered outside the committee’s independent process.
The scholarship committee, comprising representatives from various communities in Kaduna North, is expected to finalize beneficiary selection in the coming days.
