In a heartfelt display of gratitude, a group of newly graduated medical doctors have publicly acknowledged former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his role in supporting their medical education through a full scholarship. The medical professionals, who were part of the pioneer group transferred from Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) to various universities across Nigeria after the loss of accreditation at their initial institution before the emergence of Yahaya Bello, expressed their appreciation for the former governor’s intervention.
The graduates, transferred to Ebonyi State University, Kaduna State University, and Usman Danfodio University Sokoto, highlighted the critical support they received from Governor Bello and the Kogi State Government.
This included covering all transfer and tuition fees, ensuring they could complete their medical training without financial burden.
In a public letter addressed to the former governor, the students stated, “when we faced the unfortunate challenge of losing accreditation at our former institution, your divine emergence as Governor, swift intervention and the decision to transfer us to other medical schools were not just acts of leadership but of compassion and commitment to the future of Kogi State’s healthcare sector. The efforts of your administration in ensuring that we were successfully transferred to institutions where we could complete our medical training is a testament to your dedication to education and the well-being of your citizens”.
One of the graduates, Dr. Omeiza Abdulmaleek Usman, shared his gratitude, acknowledging the former governor’s unwavering commitment to their education. He also extended his appreciation to the Kogi State Government, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Dr Mrs Folashade Ayoade Arike, the former Vice Chancellors Prof Hassan Isah and Prof Muhammed Abdulkadir Sanni, Prof Mariat Tenushe, the former provost of the medical college Prof Margaret Araoye, Prof Akogu Simon, Prof Edino, late Dr Emmanuel Busayo Agbana, Dr Omotosho and other management staff of PAAU for their efforts in facilitating the transfer process.
“Our success was made possible by the support of former Governor Yahaya Bello, who generously provided scholarships and covered our tuition and transfer fees. His belief in our potential has been crucial in achieving this milestone,” said Dr Olugbemiro in another social media post.
Dr. Edogbo Anthony thanked the former governor for the upgrade of various health facilities across the state including the PAAU teaching hospital, as well as the construction of standard hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of the people of Kogi.
The new medical doctors expressed their strong desire to give back to Kogi State and beyond.