Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has started the disbursement of ₦300 million for scholarships for 16,225 indigenous and low-income students residing in the nation’s capital.
This was announced at the official launch of the programme for the 2023/2025 academic session held at the FCT Scholarship Board office in Abuja.
FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, said though this funding had increased compared to the previous year, it represented a small step forward.
He underscored the critical role education plays in development and expressed gratitude for the programme’s current success.
Wike reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to enhancing the initiative to better serve the educational needs of disadvantaged students.
Represented by his chief of staff, Chidi Amadi, Wike lamented the lack of adequate recognition for teachers but expressed hope that they would eventually receive fair treatment on their welfare.
He encouraged educators to remain resilient in the face of resource shortages and make the most of what is available.
The secretary of education secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, lauded the minister for his dedication to improve education in the FCT.
He said under Wike’s leadership, over ₦230 billion had 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 announced that FCT schools would participate in global science events, including the World Robotics Festival and the Continental Open Africa AI Championship scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas USA 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.
