From Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Lokoja, Nigeria
In a courageous move to empower Education in Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, has flagoff the disbursement of over three hundred and sixteen Million Naira in bursary allowance and scholarship support to students in tertiary institutions. The Governor was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu at the Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
In a Press statement according to the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Emmanuel Unubi the bursary allowance and scholarship support are part of the state government's initiatives to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families. A total of 8,750 students will benefit from the bursary allowance, with each student receiving ₦30,000.
The Governor in his words "Education remains a critical tool in combating crime and driving development in our society," Governor Ododo emphasized, highlighting his administration's commitment to providing quality education.
"A sum of 8,750 students will benefit from the bursary allowance, with each student receiving ₦30,000. Students in law school from the State will also receive a higher bursary allowance of ₦300,000 each".
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also awarded a ₦5 million complementary scholarship to Miss. Favour Oluwatimilehin Adebayo, an outstanding student who secured the prestigious European Union ERASMUS+ Scholarship.
He urged students to maintain focus, avoid distractions, and actively contribute to driving Kogi State's development. Additionally, he announced a policy to offer automatic employment to the top graduating students from all tertiary institutions in the state.
The Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to education, particularly the Student Loan Initiative.
He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the welfare of Kogi State students, pledging to continue collaborating closely with student union bodies.
In his earlier speech, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Mr. Afolabi Joseph Raji, expressed gratitude to the governor for his unwavering commitment and support towards the enhancement of the education sector. He emphasized that the provision of bursaries and scholarships is entirely free, affirming that this initiative was implemented to alleviate the educational financial burdens faced by the people of the state.
He disclosed that the board has collaborated with Remita for the disbursement of funds, ensuring that the payment process is conducted electronically and with utmost transparency.
Afolabi announced that students who demonstrate exceptional academic prowess will have the opportunity to pursue scholarships for studies in Western institutions.
In his goodwill message, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, commended the current administration for ensuring a stable academic calendar in public institutions in the state, emphasizing that the government is building upon the established legacies of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
He lauded Governor Ododo's efforts in the education sector, citing his ambitious projects across state institutions.
He appealed to the state government for scholarships for postgraduate students, referencing Kano and Akwa Ibom as models, stating that once students are educated, they will contribute significantly to the state's development and help elevate the state from division and parochial political interests, and ultimately place the state on the global map.
In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Hon Wemi Ojo Jones, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Relations, Hon. Onogwu Mohammed, expressed their appreciation to the Governor for the bursary scheme, affirming that the scholarship will breathe life into the students and propell them to perform excellent in academics. They praised the current administration for taking the education of the youth seriously.
Similarly, the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, thanked the governor for prioritizing the welfare and education of the students. She emphasized that education is power, without which she would not have attained her current position.
She highlighted that through scholarships, the government is investing in the youth of the state, urging students to approach their academics earnestly, achieve good grades, and contribute positively to their families and the state.
