After six months of rigorous screening and examinations, 30 students from Taraba State have been selected for the Haruna Manu Foundation (HMF) Foreign Scholarship Scheme, designed to sponsor master’s degree programmes in pure sciences and engineering across four top universities in India.
At a send-forth ceremony held at the weekend in Abuja, Senator Haruna Manu, who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District and is founder of the scheme, urged the beneficiaries to be exemplary Nigerians abroad and return with certificates that will make the state and the nation proud.
“It’s not yet time for celebration until you come back with your certificates and as good ambassadors of Nigeria and Taraba State,” Senator Manu told the students.
He recalled that the process faced initial doubts but said persistence, due diligence, and strict merit ensured credibility.
“I was told it was not going to be possible, but I don’t believe in impossibility. We took our time to verify all universities through the Federal Ministry of External Affairs to ensure they are genuine and globally recognised,” he said.
Senator Manu explained that the scholarships deliberately focused on STEM disciplines such as engineering, artificial intelligence, medicine, and public health, to address Nigeria’s developmental needs and global competitiveness.
“I’m not sponsoring humanities. These are areas that will make meaningful impact when you return. You will contribute your quota not only to Taraba but to Nigeria at large,” he stated.
He commended members of the HMF Scholarship Selection Committee for maintaining transparency and merit throughout the process.
“From start to finish, I never intervened. The students wrote entrance exams, were graded, and selected purely on performance,” he said.
Also speaking, Professor Mahmood Hamid Umar, one of the scheme’s coordinators, described the initiative as “a landmark in Taraba Central,” aligning perfectly with Governor Agbu Kefas’ free education policy.
“This development will further strengthen education access and quality in the state,” Umar noted.
Another coordinator, Dr. Alhassan Umar, lauded the foundation for what he called “the most comprehensive scholarship package ever introduced in Taraba,” covering tuition, accommodation, and stipends.
“It’s the best scholarship I’ve helped to package truly all-encompassing,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Alhassan Hamman Gassol, representing the parents of the beneficiaries, thanked Senator Manu for his generosity and pledged that the students would justify the investment.
“We promise they will not fail you or the state. This gesture is first of its kind in Taraba’s history,” he said.
Student representatives, including Sanusi Aliu, Patience Joshua, Zinnat, and Hosea Yohanna, expressed appreciation to Senator Manu and pledged to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and Taraba abroad.
