Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has granted automatic employment to 16 nursing graduates evacuated from Sudan International University in 2023 due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The move highlights the governor’s commitment to prioritizing education and empowering young professionals in the state.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the Zamfara State Government had sponsored 66 students to study at Sudan International University. These students were later evacuated amidst the Sudanese conflict. Among them, 16 final-year nursing students were unable to take their final exams before the crisis escalated.
In a compassionate intervention in September 2023, Governor Lawal directed the Zamfara Commissioner for Education, Malam Wadato Madawaki, to liaise with the Sudanese university’s management to facilitate the final examinations for the nursing students. The exams were successfully conducted in Nigeria, paving the way for the students to complete their studies.
The Sudan International University subsequently issued certificates to all 16 nursing graduates, which were presented to them by Governor Lawal. During the ceremony, the governor emphasized the need for the graduates to serve as ambassadors for Zamfara and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
Governor Lawal also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving education in Zamfara. “A state of emergency has been declared in education by my administration, addressing the critical situation in Zamfara state. We are currently making notable strides and will persist in investing substantial resources in education as it forms the foundation of an improved society,” he said.
Zamfara State, located in northwestern Nigeria, has faced significant challenges in education over the years, including low literacy rates and inadequate infrastructure. The governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in education underscores the urgency of tackling these issues.
The Sudanese conflict, which erupted in 2023, disrupted the academic pursuits of thousands of students, including those sponsored by the Zamfara State Government. The evacuation of these students reflects a broader effort by the Nigerian government to protect its citizens abroad during crises.
Governor Lawal’s administration has focused on youth empowerment and capacity building, recognizing that an educated workforce is critical to driving the state’s socio-economic development. By granting automatic employment to the nursing graduates, the governor has demonstrated his dedication to addressing unemployment and ensuring that trained professionals contribute to the health sector.
This gesture also aligns with global best practices of providing opportunities for displaced students to reintegrate into their communities, showcasing Zamfara as a model of resilience and support for its people.