A year ago, Senator Abdulaziz Yari initiated a project that defied traditional political logic. Unlike typical infrastructure projects that prioritize ribbon-cutting ceremonies, Yari focused on individual futures. He committed over N216 million to cover tuition and provide monthly stipends for students across the seven states of North West Nigeria. Many of these beneficiaries were orphans or from impoverished backgrounds.
While many politicians prefer investing in visible landmarks, Yari chose education. The North West currently faces a staggering crisis, holding one of the world’s highest concentrations of out-of-school children. By providing scholarships, Yari is attempting to break the cycle of poverty that threatens the region’s future labor force, including its potential doctors, engineers, and teachers.
This initiative follows a track record Yari established during his time as Governor of Zamfara State. His administration built thousands of classrooms, established a teacher training center in Gusau, and prioritized female education. By investing N1.7 billion in counterpart funding and rehabilitating hundreds of schools, he signaled a long-term commitment to human capital.
Critics often note that private scholarships cannot replace robust public education systems. While this remains a valid point, Yari’s supporters argue that leadership involves filling gaps where institutions fail to act quickly enough. By funding these 2,055 students, he is ensuring that talented individuals can actually reach the opportunities they need to succeed. This, in essence, is the true meaning of teaching someone to fish: first, you must provide the means to reach the river.
