PTDF: Assisting indigent students to attain varsity education

I never thought that children of the less privileged Nigerians could have the opportunity of studying in some of the World’s best universities in the United Kingdom i.e. University of London, Manchester University, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and many more. Before Muttaqha came on board, many of us – the less privileged Nigerian youths never […]

I never thought that children of the less privileged Nigerians could have the opportunity of studying in some of the World’s best universities in the United Kingdom i.e. University of London, Manchester University, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and many more.

Before Muttaqha came on board, many of us – the less privileged Nigerian youths never dreamt of furthering our studies outside our dear country for as long as we lived because if you did not belong to the bourgeoisie class, I mean the capitalist or the imperialist, then forget it. But our amiable Engr. proved me wrong that any Nigerian, irrespective of his class or status, can go and study at any university in the United Kingdom and be sponsored by the PTDF. Oh, how I wish our leaders are like Darma , Nigeria would have been Daramdam. Most of the students who are currently studying in the United Kingdom are children and daughters of the average and less privileged Nigerians and their sponsorship is only on merit. Without any doubt, Muttaqha is a silent achiever. Not everybody knows him but his name rings a bell in many places especially with regards to his achievements. At local, national and international levels, he has contributed immensely to the development of the nation.

As a university don, he contributed to the development of technical education at Bayero University, Kano in the early 90’s. He assisted many youth both male and female to be self-employed when he was the Director, State Environmental Protection Agency, Katsina and also when he was the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Rural Development in Katsina state during the regime of late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua when he was the state governor

One good thing about Muttaqha is his patience and tolerance. Whenever he wants to do anything he doesn’t relax until that thing is done. He is a man who has the sympathy of the poor. This is very evident whenever he visits his root-Katsina. The large number of turnouts who usually greet him is a testimony of his generosity.

Muttaqha is such a man that uses his position to good advantage. As Executive Secretary, PTDF, there has been tremendous improvement in the petroleum sector, many Nigerians are furthering their studies in the field of petroleum technology and many scientific research centers are constructed and equipped with modern technologies in many Nigerian universities. And another ultra modern Petroleum Training Institute is near completion at the northern city of Kaduna. I have never for a day heard him blow his own trumpet. Yet, Muttaqha is an achiever of great magnitude.

Muttaqha’s hatred for poverty and passion for empowerment towards human development and growth for future enhancement and sustenance is unmatched. May Allah keep protecting and endowing you with more strength and wisdom to make us proud continuously’, ameen……….keep the flag flying.

Aminu Shehu wrote from Yandaki in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State and can be reached at [email protected]