The Kogi State Government, on Friday, launched the disbursement of the 2024 bursary and scholarship scheme for 8,750 undergraduate students from the state studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Governor Ahmed Ododo, represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo Salifu, flagged off the initiative at the Government House in Lokoja, declaring the administration’s commitment to easing the financial burdens on students and empowering them to excel academically.
Under the program, 8,549 undergraduates will each receive ₦30,000, amounting to ₦256.47 million, while 201 law students at the Nigerian Law School will each receive ₦300,000, totaling ₦60.3 million. The initiative, managed by the Kogi State Scholarship Board (KSSB), is valued at over ₦316 million.
Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of education as a right and not a privilege, saying, “The investments we are making in education today will give our students the best opportunities to succeed. This disbursement will now be an annual event under my administration.”
He further announced plans to reward academic excellence by offering automatic employment to the best graduating students from tertiary institutions in Kogi State.
“We are working to make Kogi not only the industrial capital of Nigeria but also the hub of excellence in the digital economy. Our youth must be part of this transformation,” he added.
The governor also cautioned students to avoid cultism and other social vices, urging them to focus on their studies and actively participate in the state’s development.
Increased Funding and Scholarships
Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Mr. Afolabi Joseph-Raji, lauded the initiative, noting that the program has already begun alleviating the financial burden on students. He revealed that Governor Ododo had approved ₦1.5 billion for the bursary and scholarship board, increasing the undergraduate bursary from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 and raising the law students’ bursary by 60%, to ₦300,000.
Additionally, 14 exceptional students from higher institutions in Kogi State will each receive ₦1.7 million, totaling ₦23.8 million.
Joseph-Raji encouraged students who missed out due to incomplete applications to ensure their details, such as BVN and NIN, are correctly uploaded in future registrations.
Acknowledgment and Appreciation
Jeremiah Elukpo, National President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries. He commended the administration for prioritizing education and providing financial support to students.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, also applauded the governor for building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, and for his unwavering focus on transforming the state’s education sector.
Governor Ododo also commended President Bola Tinubu for his national student loan initiative, noting its transformative impact on education in Nigeria.
The disbursement of the 2024 bursary scheme has been widely praised as a significant step toward empowering Kogi State’s youth and supporting the development of the state’s educational sector.
