Senator Oluremi Tinubu awards scholarships and support to rescued FUDMA students, vows ongoing assistance in their educational journey

In a powerful demonstration of compassion and commitment to education, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has granted scholarships and financial support to the five Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) students who were recently rescued from kidnappers. This heartwarming gesture unfolded during a ceremony in Abuja on Sunday, where Senator Tinubu, alongside the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, presented N1 million and new laptops to each of the students.

Safiya Mutu, Hasiya Abubakar, Ramat Adam, Fatima Abdullahi, and Fatima Mohammed, all 100-level students, were abducted from their private lodge in Dutsin-Ma on October 4. The scholarship, lasting four years, reflects the period these resilient young women are expected to spend in school. In addition to this support, Senator Tinubu pledged N2 million to each of the students’ parents and N1 million to the Vice Chancellor of FUDMA, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi.

Senator Tinubu’s heartfelt commitment to the students’ well-being and education was evident in her words of encouragement during the presentation. She expressed solidarity with the students and their families, acknowledging the pain and anguish they experienced during the 70 days of captivity. The First Lady emphasized the importance of valuing education and personal safety, assuring the students and their parents of the government’s unwavering commitment to their recovery.

“Since your dreadful abduction on Oct. 4, it has been a period of pain for you, your parents, your teachers, and indeed all Nigerians. Throughout this period, we have kept faith and trust in God and in our law enforcement agencies that you will return safely,” Senator Tinubu stated.

Commending the law enforcement agencies for their dedication to the safe return of the students, she expressed gratitude to all security and intelligence services for their tireless efforts. The First Lady also lauded the exemplary coordination led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), highlighting it as a showcase of effective interagency collaboration aligned with President Tinubu’s vision.

Senator Tinubu went beyond the celebration of the students’ safe return, pledging ongoing support for their development in both education and mental health. She urged them to persevere in their educational pursuits, emphasizing that education is a powerful tool in combating terrorism. The RHI, Senator Tinubu assured, would not only provide necessary medical and psychological support but also guide and support the students in reaching their full potential.

The Head of the Network Operation Centre of the Office of the NSA, Brig.-Gen. Olutayo Adesuyi, underscored the significance of Senator Tinubu’s meeting with the rescued girls, showcasing the Federal Government’s solidarity and support.

In response, each of the rescued girls expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu for her kindness and support. Their words of appreciation reflected the impact of this benevolent gesture on their lives, providing not only financial assistance but also a renewed sense of hope and determination to continue their educational journey.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s initiative stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of empathy, and a reminder that collective efforts can contribute to reshaping the lives of those affected by adversity. As these students embark on their path to recovery and education, Senator Tinubu’s commitment echoes a larger message of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of education in overcoming challenges.