Kogi Govt Disburses Over ₦316 Million in Bursaries to Students »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to education by disbursing bursaries worth over ₦316 million to indigenous students in tertiary institutions across the country. The bursary presentation, which took place today January 24, 2025, saw each of the 8,549 undergraduate beneficiaries receiving ₦30,000, while 201 students at the Nigerian Law School were awarded ₦300,000 each.

The disbursement is being managed by the Kogi State Scholarship Board (KSSB).

In his address, Governor Ododo emphasized that the initiative is part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to make education accessible and affordable for all Kogites, regardless of their socio-economic background. He highlighted that education remains a critical tool in combating crime and fostering development, noting that his government has allocated over 30% of the state’s total budget to the education sector.

“We are fulfilling yet another promise to the people of Kogi State. Our heavy investment in education reflects our commitment to creating an informed and resourceful environment while ensuring our children are equipped to compete on the global stage,” the governor stated.

Represented his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, the Governor highlighted key educational policies implemented by his administration, including free education at the basic and senior secondary levels, coverage of examination fees for students, and significant investments in educational infrastructure. These efforts, he said, have contributed to Kogi State having the lowest number of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria.

Acknowledging the financial burden faced by families, the governor assured that the bursary disbursement would become an annual initiative. “Education may be costly, but the cost of ignorance is far greater. Our investment in education is a continuum—from primary to tertiary levels,” he said.

The governor also announced the recent accreditation of the Medicine program at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to achieving similar milestones across other tertiary institutions in the state.

In a bid to reward excellence and encourage academic performance, Governor Ododo disclosed plans to implement a policy 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,” he added.

He called on students to stay focused on their studies and shun social vices such as cultism, stressing that his administration is committed to providing an environment that fosters academic and personal growth.

Governor Ododo also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to education through the Student Loan Initiative, which he described as a transformative step for students nationwide.

On his part, 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.

He urged t 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.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, disclosed that Kogi State is one of the leading states in terms of allocation to education, this is said was responsible for all the giant strides being recorded in the sector. He commended the governor’s support for education, stating that the bursary and scholarship initiatives will positively transform the lives of students and empower them for a brighter future.