The Kebbi State Government is set to sponsor 70 indigenes to pursue degree programmes in both conventional and religious studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This is contained in a statement issued by Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity to Governor of Kebbi State, Yahaya Sarki, on Monday, April 14, 2025.

The statement explained that this initiative falls under the ‘Kaura Capacity Building Project 2025’, managed by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs.

Speaking to the press on Monday, the special adviser, Engr. Imran bn Usman, announced that each of the 20 local government areas in the state would nominate three students, while Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, will have ten slots.

“The Kebbi State Government will be responsible for funding the travel expenses of these students to Saudi Arabia,” Engr. Imran stated. 

“Upon their arrival, the Saudi Arabian government will take over the responsibility for their education and overall welfare.”

He clarified that only students under the age of 18 who successfully pass an academic screening will be eligible for the programme, as they must meet the admission requirements set by the Saudi authorities.

“Saudi professional examiners are already on the ground in Kebbi State to conduct the necessary screening before the students’ departure,” he added.

Each local government is expected to nominate two male and one female candidate for first-degree programmes in either secular disciplines or Islamic religious studies.

In a related development, Engr. Imran also revealed plans to sponsor Imams of Jumu’a mosques for short-term training programmes abroad, focusing on enhancing their sermon delivery and knowledge of Hadith. 

He explained that this initiative aims to improve their impact during congregational prayers.

“Governor Nasir Idris is deeply committed to the promotion of piety, religious values, and good governance,” Engr. Imran affirmed.

“He has directed me to engage with embassies of Middle Eastern countries in Abuja to explore opportunities for human development.”

Highlighting the outcomes of his visits to the embassies of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, Engr. 

Imran announced that specialists from Riyadh are scheduled to visit Kebbi for a medical outreach. This outreach will target 5,000 individuals with eye defects, providing them with free treatment, including eyeglasses and optics.

Furthermore, the Saudi Embassy has donated 10,000 copies of the Holy Qur’an to Kebbi State as a gesture of goodwill.