Breaking News: Governor Yahaya Bello offers Fatima Sani a full scholarship worth 33.48 Million facilitated by Barr. Natasha Akpoti
Fatima Bombom Sani, an indigene of Adavi, made history at the Nigerian Law School (NLS) by achieving a First Class Honors at the 2015 Call to Bar, setting a new record. She received nine awards, surpassing the previous record of seven.
On May 20, 2018, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, granted Fatima a full scholarship to study at Columbia Law School in the USA, worth $93,000 (33.48 million naira), following the intervention of Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
The scholarship announcement was made at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja.
Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti expressed disappointment over the lack of support from relevant authorities, privileged individuals, and organizations. On April 27, 2018, she took to her Facebook page to advocate for sponsorship to aid Fatima in pursuing her academic aspirations, following her outstanding performance at the 2015 Bar exam, where she received nine separate awards, including “Best Student of the Year” and “Council of Education Star Award.”
Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti sought the intervention of the Kogi State Governor, who expressed surprise and disappointment that Fatima had been left unsupported, with no information brought to his office regarding her case.
“I was aware of your outstanding performance at the Nigerian Law School in 2015 and assumed that you had been recognized and sponsored by the administration at the time. It is unacceptable that such exceptional talent has not been celebrated and promoted. Nevertheless, now that I have had the opportunity to meet you, I am pleased to offer you a personal scholarship to recognize your exceptional abilities and support your career goals,”
Governor Bello stated. Following verification of Fatima’s credentials, the Governor, in his personal capacity, awarded a full scholarship for Fatima to pursue a Master’s degree in Finance Law at the Colombian Law School in the United States of America.
Governor Bello expressed gratitude to Natasha Akpoti for her humanitarian efforts in bringing Fatima’s issue to the forefront, while encouraging Fatima to continue excelling academically in her upcoming Master’s program, make Nigeria proud, and return home to serve her country.
In her heartfelt expression of gratitude, Natasha also acknowledged the Governor’s prompt benevolence and support for promoting academic excellence.
“We have a responsibility to recognize heroes like Fatima, as this encourages young people, particularly girls, to pursue exceptional educational performances.”
She joined the Governor in advising and encouraging Fatima to further her education and come back to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of Kogi state and Nigeria, inspiring others through her achievements.
