Kogi State Government Flags Off Online Registration for 2025 Bursary Allowance »

The Kogi State Government has officially commenced the registration process for the 2025 bursary allowance for indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions across the country.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, who declared the exercise open during a press briefing in Lokoja on Monday, urged students to take advantage of what he described as an improved and transparent registration process.

Jones reaffirmed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to making Kogi State a positive reference point for educational development in Nigeria. He noted that this year’s exercise, described as “Season Two” of the bursary scheme, is designed to consolidate on the successes recorded during the previous phase.

“His Excellency, Governor Ododo, is determined to build on the foundation already laid to ensure more students benefit from this bursary award,” Jones said. “We expect the number of beneficiaries to surpass that of last year, and I assure you that the funds are already set aside for disbursement.”

The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Hon. Afolabi Joseph-Raji, recalled that no fewer than 8,750 students benefited from the bursary in first phase where students of higher institutions who are of Kogi State origin recieved ₦30,000 and those in law school got ₦300,000 respectively. He credited Governor Ododo for revitalizing the bursary process and ensuring it is now more accessible to students.

“Unlike last year where students had to undergo pre-qualification, this year’s registration is straightforward. Students simply need to visit the portal, create an account, and upload the required documents and information.

“Over 44,000 students registered last year but only 11,000 uploaded their documents for verification, out of the 11,000, only 8,750 qualified for the bursary. So, it is not enough to just register, you have to upload some required documents too.

“As an improvement, the board has made the process more direct whereby submition of required documents like admission letter, school identity card and other information are done before registration is completed,” Afolabi explained.

He further urged the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) to intensify sensitization efforts to ensure that more students across the country take advantage of the opportunity. According to him, both new and returning students are eligible to register via the official website https://scholarshipboard.kogistate.gov.ng

The registration begins today, September 29, and will close on October 31, 2025.

In his remarks, the President of NAKOSS, Comrade Sunday Adeola, commended Governor Ododo for sustaining and expanding the bursary initiative, describing it as “legendary and life-touching.” He assured that the association would mobilize widely to raise awareness among students to maximize participation.

The Kogi bursary scheme, which was resuscitated in 2024 under the Ododo administration, is aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and encouraging academic excellence. This year’s edition, government officials emphasized, is expected to attract an even higher number of beneficiaries.