ILORIN, Nigeria — The Ali Ahmad Foundation (TAAF), a Kwara-based non-governmental organisation, has awarded scholarships to more than 150 indigent students pursuing health-related courses in a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking at the presentation of admission letters in Ilorin on Thursday, TAAF Executive Director, Mr Sarafadeen AbdulRaheem, said the initiative aims to tackle the state’s growing health challenges.
“The current health challenges facing our people demand urgent action to make life meaningful for the teeming masses,” AbdulRaheem said.
Beneficiaries will train in fields such as Environmental Health Technology, Orthopaedic and Plaster Cast Technology, Public Health Technology, Pharmaceutical Technician courses, and Community Health Extension Work (CHEW) at a leading College of Health Technology.
According to AbdulRaheem, the scholarships will cover 80 per cent of tuition fees, with programmes running between six months and one year. “Education transformed the life of our principal, and he wants others to enjoy the same opportunity — particularly in the health sector, where every trained individual can save lives,” he added.
Founder of the foundation and former lawmaker, Professor Ali Ahmad, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering youths through education. “Education is the greatest legacy one can offer the next generation. My own life was shaped by a scholarship, and I intend to replicate that,” he said.
The college registrar, Mr Taiwo Adewale Aderibigbe, commended the initiative as timely, urging beneficiaries to remain diligent in their studies.
