By Stephen Adeleye.
The Kogi State Government has officially commenced the disbursement of over N316.5 in bursary scholarship support to 8,750 undergraduate students who are indigenes of the from enrolled in various tertiary institutions across the country.
Of the total number of verified students, 8,549 undergraduates will receive N30,000 each, while 201 Law students will be awarded N300,000 each. These funds are being distributed through the Kogi State Scholarship Board (KSSB).
The Governor of the state,Alhaji. Ahmed Usman Ododo, who initiated the disbursement on Friday at the Government House in Lokoja, stressed the importance of the investment in education, noting that it is designed to reduce financial burdens on students and empower them to focus on their academic success.
Governor Ododo, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, emphasized the state’s commitment to education through a new Education Law that ensures substantial government support. He stated, “Education is not just a privilege; it is a right.”
He added, “When our children are educated, the state benefits immensely from their contributions to development. Today, we are disbursing N30,000 to each of the 8,549 undergraduates captured in this year’s bursary scheme, worth N256.47 million. Additionally, we are providing N300,000 to each of our 201 students at the Nigerian Law School, worth N60.3 million.”
The Governor pointed out that this initiative would cost the state over N316 million, but he assured the students that it would become an annual event under his administration.
He added that his administration would implement a policy granting automatic employment to the best graduating students from Kogi’s tertiary institutions, to reward hard work and inspire others to excel.
“You are the future of this state, and we cannot plan it without your active involvement. I urge you to join us in conversations and actions that drive Kogi State’s development,” Ododo said.
He further stressed that the government is committed to making Kogi the industrial capital of Nigeria, as well as a leader in the digital economy.
The Governor also advised students to avoid negative behaviors such as cultism and other social vices in their institutions, stating that, “The investments we are making in education are designed to give you the best opportunities to succeed.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to education, noting that the national Student Loan Initiative was already improving lives and helping to shape the future of education in Nigeria.
In his address, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, praised Governor Ododo for building on the educational foundation laid by his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
He expressed optimism that the bursary and scholarship initiatives would significantly transform the educational experience of Kogi students.
The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board (KSSB), Mr. Afolabi Joseph-Raji, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s support, noting that it would ease the financial burdens on parents and students.
He also encouraged students whose applications were incomplete to ensure they upload necessary documents, such as BVN and NIN, for future registration.
Joseph-Raji confirmed that the students had begun receiving their bursary allowances, assuring that by Monday, all verified students would have received their payments.
He disclosed that Governor Ododo had approved a significant budget of N1.5 billion for the KSSB to improve educational support, alongside increasing the bursary allowance for undergraduates from N10,000 to N30,000, and for Law students, a 60% increase to N300,000.
Jeremiah Elukpo, the National President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries to Ododo, thanking him for prioritizing quality education in the state.
