” My name is Habiba Abubakar Ibrahim, and I live in the Badawa area of Kano, Nigeria. I am a medical student at Northwest University, Kano, currently in my third year (300 level). Before this, I completed both my primary and secondary education in Kano, graduating from secondary school in 2017. ”
I come from a loving family and am the oldest of four children. Life hasn’t always been easy; I lost my father when I was in JSS3 (Year 9) which brought many challenges for me and my family. However, Alhamdulillah, our mother has continued to take care of all our responsibilities.
I was admitted to Northwest University Kano in 2019 to study Anatomy, as the medical program had not started yet, but they were planning to begin it soon. After completing our first year in Anatomy, we were selected to transfer to the Medicine program because we were the students with the highest marks. At first, I was hesitant to accept because I knew that studying Medicine would be financially challenging. I also understood that my mother, who was already taking care of all of us, might not be able to afford it.
However, Alhamdulillah, with the support of our mother, she spoke to Alhaji Badamasi about our situation, and with the help of a scholarship from Gatan Marayu Foundation I started studying Medicine in 2020. The Light House Foundation accepted to take on my scholarship. As time went on, transport fees became another problem. But when I shared this concern with Ms Ina Zein, a founding member of GMF , it was no longer an issue and all transportation fees have been paid by my sponsor Light House Foundation.
Now, I am in my third year, and I am not facing any major challenges. I am truly grateful for the scholarship that has helped me pursue my dreams, as well as my father’s dreams. I deeply appreciate all the support, including the transport fees, school fees, and many other resources provided.
Thank you so much.
Habiba A. Ibrahim