Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has presented a cash gift of N4 million to four outstanding indigenes who achieved top scores in the 2024 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
The governor, represented by Yehuza Adamu, the state Head of Civil Service, made the announcement during a ceremony in Bauchi on Tuesday.
The cash award was given to each of the four students as an incentive to motivate others to strive for excellence in their academic endeavors.
Governor Mohammed emphasized that this gesture highlights the state’s commitment to human capital development, noting that education is essential for the growth and prosperity of any nation.
He stressed, “If you destroy a generation’s education system, you destroy that nation.”
He added that the achievement of the awardees, particularly the student who scored 348, is a testament to the progress of the state’s education system.
He further encouraged the Ministry of Education to continue efforts in identifying and supporting other talented students, with the hope of producing even more high achievers in future JAMB examinations.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ali Babayo, also praised the governor for his support of education in the state, noting that the recognition of these students was part of an initiative that began months ago with a request to JAMB for the names of the top-performing Bauchi indigenes.
The students recognized for their achievements were Kawthar Shehu (348), Geoffrey Yakubu (347), Abdullahi Garba (347), and Magaji Umar (333).
In a vote of thanks, Ali Garba, speaking on behalf of the students’ parents, expressed gratitude to the state government, stating that the financial support would assist the students in securing admission to their preferred higher institutions.