By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo says his administration is committed to easing the Financial burden of students in tertiary institution
Governor Ododo made this known during the flag off of disbursement of bursary allowance and Scholarship to Students of Tertiary institution at the Government House Lokoja.
Under this initiative, 201 verified Law students of Kogi State origin will receive a total of N60,300,000.00 as bursary allowances, with each student getting N300,000 each, while 8,549 first batch verified undergraduate students studying in various higher institutions will also receive a total of N256, 470,000.00 as bursary allowances, with each student getting N30,000 each.
Addressing the Students at the event, Governor Ododo who was represented by his Deputy Comrade Joel salisu Oyibo said the event is a fulfillment of the present administrations promise to make quality Education available and accessible to all.
He noted that the heavy investment in Education reflect his administration of creating , informed and resourceful environment.
“Education remains a digital tool in combating crime and driving development in our society, as Government we have made education our highest priority” Gov Ododo said.
The Governor said the 2025 appropriation bill signed into law has a total of thirty percent allocated for education saying the investment underscore his administration’s unwavering believe in the transformative formal education.
Governor Ododo appealed to the students to shun cultism and take advantage of the Federal Government loan to reduce their sufferings.
The Governor also announced the state Government plans to give employment to the best graduating students in all Tertiary institution in the state.
The secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs Folashade Ayoade appealed to students to use every opportunity available to get educated under the Federal Government loan to ease their burden.
The Commissioner for Education Mr Wemi Jones appreciated the governor for consolidating and building on the achievement of the former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello in investing in the educational sector.
He Commended the scholarship board for the initiative and called on students to always engage themselves on issues that can move the state forward.
Earlier the Chairman Kogi State Scholarship Board Mr Afolabi Joseph Raji said the board is glad to identify with the lofty achievement of the present administration in the welfare of students in all tertiary institution in the state.
He said the vision of the Kogi State Scholarship Board is to excell in the provision of scholarship support to Kogi state both within and outside the state to ease the burdens of parents.
The Chairman underscored the commitment of the present administration of ensuring that education remains accessible and affordable for all.
Mr Afolabi noted that the bursary disbursement is a testament to the board’s unwavering dedication to providing support where it is most needed, enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits without the overwhelming burden of financial constraints.
He emphasised that distributing funds; is all about investing in the future of Kogi State students saying Each student represented here is a beacon of hope, a symbol of potential, and a reminder of why the board must continue to prioritize education as a cornerstone for development.
The Board Chairman mentioned some of the board’s plan to encourage learning to include Quiz Competition for students and award for best performing students in WASSE and JAM
Mr Raji expressed appreciation to the Governor for his visionary leadership and relentless support for the education sector in Kogi State noting that his commitment to the welfare of students is a legacy that will impact generations to come.
He advised the beneficiaries students to see the allowance as a tool to help them achieve their dreams and urged them to use it Use it
He also commend the Scholarship Board team, the Ministry of Education, and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the process is transparent, efficient, and impactful.
He said very soon the board will organize an annual academic award to challenge students to do more.
The board chairman said the board is also planning to partner with Kogi State Senior Secondary School Education Board to identify students that have performed excellently in WAEC and JAMB
The president National Association of Nigeria Students Comrade Jeremiah Elukpo enumerated some of the present administration’s achievement in the education sector to include over two hundred bed hostel to Nigeria Korean Friendship Institute Lokoja, Construction of Perimeter Fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara among others and pledged the school community’s support to the present Government.
