The Taraba State government has defended its postgraduate scholarship programme to India, dismissing concerns over the temporary accommodation of 100 beneficiaries currently in Abuja for visa processing.
The state Ministry of Tertiary Education said the beneficiaries were in the Federal Capital Territory primarily to complete visa processing and other pre-departure arrangements ahead of their studies in India.
Key Highlights
- 100 beneficiaries await India visas
- Abuja stay is temporary
- Government rejects refugee comparison
- Welfare concerns to be addressed
- Scholarship targets human capital
The ministry made the clarification in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Kasimu Zakari, following a publication that raised concerns about the welfare and accommodation of the beneficiaries.
According to the ministry, it was not contacted before the publication, despite several of the issues raised being administrative matters within its jurisdiction that could have been clarified before publication.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to demand accountability, the ministry urged the public to ensure that concerns about government programmes were based on verified information and proper context.
It described the scholarship scheme as unprecedented in the history of the state, saying it is the first international postgraduate scholarship programme of such scale undertaken by the state since its creation in 1991.
“The initiative represents a major investment in human capital development, aimed at producing professionals, academics and specialists who will contribute to the growth and development of Taraba State,” the ministry said.
Addressing concerns over accommodation in Abuja, the ministry explained that the beneficiaries’ stay was temporary and necessitated by visa processing and other requirements before their departure.
It said providing individual hotel rooms for all 100 beneficiaries throughout the period would impose substantial additional costs on the government.
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“The purpose of the Abuja arrangement is therefore not to provide luxury, but to facilitate the successful completion of the processes required for their departure to India,” the Ministry said.
The ministry, however, stressed that legitimate welfare concerns would not be ignored, urging beneficiaries to report specific complaints relating to accommodation, feeding, allowances, documentation, equipment or other aspects of the programme for verification and appropriate action.
It also rejected the description of the accommodation arrangement as treating the beneficiaries like “refugees,” arguing that the characterization did not accurately reflect the temporary nature and objective of the arrangement.
The ministry maintained that the real value of the scholarship programme would be measured by the advanced qualifications, knowledge and expertise acquired by the beneficiaries and their eventual contribution to the development of Taraba State.
It appealed to Tarabans to support initiatives aimed at education and human capital development, irrespective of political differences.
“Where there are shortcomings, let them be identified constructively, investigated and corrected; where there are achievements, let them also be acknowledged,” it said.
The ministry further urged citizens to seek clarification from relevant authorities whenever questions arise over government programmes, stressing that social media should complement, rather than replace, proper verification.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of the beneficiaries, assuring that it would continue working to ensure that the 100 Tarabans proceed to India, acquire advanced qualifications and return to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
