Newly graduated medical doctors from Kogi State have expressed their heartfelt gratitude to former governor Yahaya Bello for enabling them to achieve their dreams of completing medical school.
The doctors, who had feared their medical aspirations were at an end, credited the former governor with saving their education. In a public acknowledgment, they praised Bello for his full scholarship support, which allowed them to continue their studies after Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU) lost accreditation for its medical program.
The group of doctors, who were transferred to universities like Ebonyi State University, Kaduna State University, and Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, highlighted the pivotal role Bello played in covering all transfer and tuition fees. This financial assistance ensured they could complete their medical education without any financial burden.
In an open letter to the former governor, the doctors expressed their deep appreciation, stating, “When we faced the loss of accreditation at our former institution, your swift intervention and decision to transfer us to other universities were acts of leadership, compassion, and a commitment to the future of healthcare in Kogi State.”
Dr. Omeiza Abdulmaleek Usman, one of the graduates, praised Bello’s dedication to their education, acknowledging the role of the Kogi State Government and other key figures, including Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Ayoade, and former university officials for their support throughout the transfer process.
The graduates also thanked Prof. Akogu Simon, Prof. Edino, and the late Dr. Emmanuel Busayo Agbana for their involvement in facilitating the transfer. “Our success is a result of the former Governor’s generosity, providing scholarships and covering our fees,” said Dr. Olugbemiro Peters.
Dr. Edogbo Anthony, another scholarship recipient, thanked the former governor for upgrading various healthcare facilities across Kogi State, including PAAU Teaching Hospital, and for constructing new hospitals to meet the healthcare needs of the people.
The doctors emphasized that Bello’s philanthropic gesture has inspired them to give back to Kogi State and beyond. On social media, many shared that their professors often said, “Yahaya Bello would be proud of you.”
Among the outstanding graduates was Dr. Onimisi Benedict Simpa, who won 11 out of 20 faculty prizes at Kaduna State University and emerged as the overall best graduating student.
Dr. Anthony Edogbo excelled as the best student in Internal Medicine at Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, while Dr. Alfa Uredo Eunice and Dr. Olugbemiro Peters both graduated with distinctions in Surgery from Usman Danfodiyo University.
In total, about 50 medical students benefitted from Yahaya Bello’s full scholarship support, securing a bright future for Kogi State’s healthcare sector.
Recall that Court of Appeal had issued a directive ordering former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello to present himself for arraignment without delay.
The court also imposed a restriction on Bello, prohibiting him from taking any further action in the case until he has been formally arraigned.