SABMF seeks support to expand scholarship scheme as beneficiaries hit over 1,000

The Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has appealed for increased support to strengthen its long-running scholarship programme designed to assist indigent students across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director General of the Foundation, Engr. Gambo Abubakar Umar, made the appeal on Wednesday during the 2025 SABMF Scholarship Award Ceremony held in Kaduna.

He explained that education remains one of the Foundation’s key intervention areas, with the Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme serving as a major pillar.

“SABMF gives significant importance to education among its various areas of intervention; one of which is its Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme.

“Every other year, the Foundation awards Scholarships to 10 indigent students from each state, within the 19 Northern States plus the FCT, who are studying Science and Technology courses across various Nigerian Universities and this makes a total number of 200 students; while ensuring equal opportunities for both male and female students,” Engr. Gambo said.

The DG noted that each qualifying student receives N100,000 annually throughout their undergraduate studies, while MBBS students receive N500,000 for their six-year programme, Engineering students N400,000 for five years, and those in four-year courses N300,000.

He added that more than 1,000 beneficiaries have been supported since the initiative began.

According to him, “From 2012 to date, the Foundation has granted Scholarships to more than 1000 Indigent Students studying science based courses … across Nigerian Universities.”

He added that over 600 recipients have already completed their programmes and graduated in fields such as Medicine, Architecture, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Geology, Pharmacy, Mathematics and Engineering. Many, he said, are now employed, pursuing postgraduate studies or running their own ventures.

Engr. Gambo stressed that the Foundation hopes to expand the number of beneficiaries but is constrained by limited funding.

“It is the wish of the Foundation to cater for more than only 10 students from each state … we are financially handicapped to go beyond the 10,” he said, noting that Kaduna alone recorded over 300 applications this year, but only 10 were selected.

He called on individuals, partners and well-meaning supporters to assist the Foundation in scaling up its reach.

 “With this in mind and in the spirit of kind philanthropy, we wish to call on our distinguished guests to consider supporting us … in order to ensure opportunities for our children across board,” he appealed.

The DG also disclosed the creation of the SABMF Scholars Forum, established in 2021 to mentor and guide scholarship recipients.

“Our Foundation is excited to inform this gathering that we have also created a platform called the SABMF Scholars Forum. This Forum was created in 2021, to provide encouragement and guidance to our scholars to connect them with professionals, who have specific skills and knowledge (mentors) with the view of building self-esteem, break down stereotypes surrounding certain professions and build the ability to make the right decision on career-choices,” he said.

According to him, the maiden series of SABMF Mentorship programmes was also held physically in Abuja with about 300 SABMF Scholars who have graduated, in attendance.

“Subsequently, the Foundation has organized about 10 online mentorship Webinars on different topics to build the professional capacity of our Scholars and other youth from among the general public,” he added.