By: John Bassey, Kebbi.
A former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, has awarded a tertiary education scholarship to Bello Muhammad, the Kebbi-born cyclist whose extraordinary feat earned him international recognition from Guinness World Records for riding the tallest bicycle unassisted, measuring 2.9 metres (9 feet 5 inches).
In addition to the scholarship, Dr. Sununu pledged to provide the young record holder with ₦500,000 annually for four years, amounting to a total financial commitment of ₦2 million, to support his development and encourage him to build on his remarkable achievement.
The former Minister announced the scholarship and financial assistance in a statement issued to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, describing the gesture as an investment in education, talent development and the future of young people.
Dr. Sununu said the initiative reflects the broader commitment of the Kebbi State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, to youth empowerment, educational advancement and the promotion of opportunities that enable young people to realise their full potential.
He commended Bello Muhammad for bringing honour and international recognition to Kebbi State through his exceptional accomplishment, noting that the achievement demonstrates the extraordinary possibilities that can emerge when young people are encouraged to explore and develop their talents.
According to him, Bello’s feat is not only a personal milestone but also a source of pride for Kebbi State, as it places the state on the global stage and provides an inspiring example of determination, creativity and perseverance for other young people.
Dr. Sununu reaffirmed his commitment to supporting talented and deserving students and young people, recalling several educational interventions he had undertaken to expand access to learning and assist individuals from different backgrounds.
It will be recalled that Sununu sponsored Maimunatu Hammani Yauri for a four-year scholarship and supported Hannafi Auwal Abdullahi, a person with special needs from Koko-Besse Local Government Area, who is currently studying Cybersecurity at Newgate University, Minna.
The former Minister also provided scholarships to female undergraduates studying at public universities across Nigeria, awarding full scholarships to 15 students of the Parliament School of Health Technology, Yauri, and supporting postgraduate students from Yauri Emirate pursuing further studies in Nigerian institutions during his tenure as the representative of Ngaski/Shanga/Yauri Federal Constituency.
He stressed that investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to empower individuals, strengthen communities and build a more prosperous society, adding that exceptional talent deserves recognition and practical support to translate achievement into lasting opportunities.
It will be recalled that Bello Muhammad’s remarkable accomplishment was formally recognised with the presentation of a Guinness World Records certificate to the Kebbi State Government on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ultra-Modern Secretariat, Gwadangaji, Birnin Kebbi.
The scholarship award and four-year financial pledge are expected to provide meaningful support for Bello’s educational advancement while reinforcing the importance of recognising excellence, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young people to contribute positively to society.
