Kogi State Government has commenced the disbursement of bursary of over N316 million to 8,750 undergraduate students who are indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions across the country.
It was gathered that out of the 8,750 verified students, 8,549 undergraduates would get N30,000 each, while 201 Law students would get N300,000 each, being disbursed under the Kogi State Scholarship Board (KSSB).
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who flagged off the disbursement on Friday at the Government House in Lokoja, said the significant investment in education was aimed to alleviate financial burdens and empower students to focus on their academic pursuits.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Joel Salifu, said Kogi now has an Education Law mandating substantial government support for education, stating that education is not just a privilege but a right.
“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.
Ododo added that the initiative will cost the state over N316 million, stressing that it is a necessary investment in the future while assuring that the disbursement will become an annual event under his administration.
Also, the Kogi State governor expressed commitment to promoting excellence, pledging that “my administration will implement a policy of granting automatic employment to the best graduating students from all tertiary institutions in the state.
“This initiative will reward hard work and inspire others to strive for excellence.”
Addressing the students, Ododo reminded them that, “the future of our state belongs to you, 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.
“My administration will listen to you, collaborate with you, and create an environment where you can excel.
“We are not just working to make Kogi the industrial capital of Nigeria but also the epicenter of excellence in the digital economy. We are doing our part—please do yours,” Ododo charged.
He, however, warned the students against unholy behaviours, emphasising that cultism and other social vices have no place in the state owned tertiary institutions.
“Stay focused on your studies, shun distractions, and remember that your success is the greatest reward for our collective efforts”.
In his remarks, Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones said that Ododo’s approval of bursary and scholarships would impact the lives of Kogi students, by transforming their educational journey and empowering them for a brighter future.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of KSSB, Mr Afolabi Joseph-Raji, appreciated the governor for the gesture, saying it would significantly alleviate the financial burden on parents and have a profound impact on the lives of Kogi students.
Joseph-Raji encouraged the students who were not verified due to incomplete application, to always endeavour to upload their documents and other mandatory requirements such as BVN and NIN in the subsequent registration.
“The students have started receiving their allowances as scholarship support, and between now and Monday, all the verified students would have received their allowances,” he said.
He stressed that Governor Ododo has given a significant boost to education in Kogi State by approving N1.5 billion for the state’s bursary and scholarship board to transform the education sector and provide the much-needed support to students.
