The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has kicked off the disbursement of ₦300 million in scholarships aimed at benefiting 16,225 indigenous and low-income students residing in the FCT.
This announcement was made during the official launch of the scholarship programme for the 2023/2025 academic session at the FCT Scholarship Board in Abuja.
At the event, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike emphasised that, although the funding marks an increase compared to the previous year, it merely represents a small step forward.
He underscored the critical role education plays in development, and expressed gratitude for the programme’s ongoing success.
Wike reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to enhancing the scholarship initiative to better serve the educational needs of disadvantaged students.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, the FCT minister lamented lack of adequate recognition for teachers, but expressed hope that they would eventually receive fair treatment regarding their welfare.
He encouraged educators to remain resilient in the face of resource shortages and to make the most of available resources.
In his remarks, Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo lauded the Minister for his dedication to improving education in the Federal Capital Territory.
He revealed that under Wike’s leadership, over ₦230 billion has been allocated to education, focusing on capital projects for rehabilitating and constructing schools and educational facilities across all six Area Councils in the Territory.
Hayyo also announced that FCT schools will participate in prestigious global science events, including the World Robotic Festival and the Continental Open Africa AI Championship, scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas, and Cape Town, South Africa.
“These accomplishments reflect the dedication, hard work, and talent of our students, made possible by the enhanced teaching and learning environments fostered by His Excellency Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister has approved training and retraining for FCT school teachers and vocational skills programmes for students, youth, women, and out-of-school children.
Hayyo extended his gratitude to the Minister for his unwavering support for the Secretariat and the scholarship programme.
The Director of the Scholarship Board, Mrs Hannah David, in her address, said that since its establishment in 2020, the Board has aided the education of 146,000 FCT indigent students, many of whom she said were thriving in various fields today.
She explained that the scholarship programme serves students at all educational levels, including those with special needs, who receive crucial support like wheelchairs and other necessary materials.
David expressed her appreciation to the FCT Minister and Education Secretary for their support and called on other stakeholders to assist the Board, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts as the government cannot solely shoulder the responsibility.
