Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state has yesterday offered five-year scholarship of N5 million to Galadima Israel Zakari to study at Covenant University, Otta, Ogun state. Zakari scored 364 highest points in this year’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Examination (JAMB) to clinch the varsity scholarship from the governor. The University scholarships also, include cost of living and accommodation of the Zakari family from Yimirshika village of Hawul council area of Borno state. Presenting the N5 million cheque to Zakari’s mother on Wednesday at the Government House, Maiduguri, Shettima described Zakari as 2018 King of JAMB Examinations. He said the feat achieved by the student goes a long way to depict to the outside world that Borno state; is not all about destruction and killings by Boko Haram; but positive things that could move the state forward. His words: “The 2018 King of JAMB and potential Isaac Newton of Borno and the universe have clearly shown that adversity can bring out the best in the people. Despite being an orphan raised by a single mother, he was able to excel in his studies. “We have to identify with this family. This young man is a symbol of resilience. I want to pay the full five-year scholarship for the man at the covenant University and whoever succeeds me will inshallah take over from where I stopped. Tomorrow, a cheque will be presented to you for his school fees and other expenses by the Commissioner for Higher Education. “I wish to warmly congratulate you and family and the good people of Borno for doing us proud. His result is one of the best I have seen. And he wants to study electrical electronics which is a broad discipline. On behalf of government and people of Borno, I wish to congratulate you. Responding, Israel’s, mother and a widow, Jumai Zakari, who is also a graduate of Agricultural Economics from the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), before losing her husband , a Major in the Nigerian Army in 2014, thanked Governor Kashim Shettima for the honour conferred on his son and family. She said the gesture has eased her burden of raising the children, adding that Israel is the second child in the family of three children. Continuing, Jumai added: “I thank you for this great gesture. What you have done today will go a long way to encourage other children to excel in their academic careers. “We have many Israels in Borno state. This has also indicated that people from the North; are very intelligent,” Mrs Zakari said. Meanwhile, the elated student thanked Governor for the honour done to him, saying that he never expected to make this fame. “I thank Governor Shettima for exceeding my expectation in life,” he said. The graduate of Faith Academy Canaan land, same secondary school of Covenant University thanked his teachers, school mates for their support during his studies. His words: “I want to urge my school mates to read very well, work very smart, not just hard, as working hard is not working smart. “They should know that they are not victims of their circumstance, but their individual decision that determines who they are. Which means that you can give excuse that where I came from made me what I am.”
