Kogi Government Begins Payment of N316.5 Million Bursary to 8,750 Students

The Kogi State Government has commenced the disbursement of over N316 million in bursaries to 8,750 undergraduate students who are indigenes of the state, currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across the country.

According to reports, out of the 8,750 verified students, 8,549 undergraduates will each receive N30,000, while 201 Law students will be given N300,000 each. The funds are being disbursed through the Kogi State Scholarship Board (KSSB).

Governor Ahmed Ododo, who flagged off the disbursement on Friday at the Government House in Lokoja, stated that the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to investing in education, aiming to reduce financial burdens and empower students to concentrate on their academic goals.

Represented by his deputy, Mr. Joel Salifu, the governor emphasized that Kogi now has an Education Law that mandates substantial governmental support for education, describing education as a right rather than a privilege.

“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 in this year’s bursary scheme, worth N256.47 million,” Governor Ododo said. “Additionally, we are providing N300,000 each to our 201 students at the Nigerian Law School, totalling N60.3 million.”

He further stated that the total cost of the bursary initiative is over N316 million, stressing that this investment in the future of Kogi’s youth would become an annual event under his administration.

Governor Ododo also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting excellence in education, declaring that his administration would 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.

Addressing the students, the governor reminded them that the future of Kogi belongs to them and that their active participation is crucial to the state’s development. “My administration will listen to you, collaborate with you, and create an environment where you can excel,” he said. “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.”

He also urged students to stay focused on their studies, warning against involvement in cultism and other social vices. “Shun distractions, and remember that your success is the greatest reward for our collective efforts,” he urged.

Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, expressed that the bursary and scholarship approval would significantly impact the lives of Kogi students, transforming their educational journeys and empowering them for a brighter future.

The Executive Chairman of KSSB, Mr. Afolabi Joseph-Raji, thanked the governor for the gesture, noting that it would alleviate financial burdens on parents and have a profound effect on Kogi students. He also encouraged students who had incomplete applications to ensure they uploaded the necessary documents, including their BVN and NIN, in future registrations.

Joseph-Raji confirmed that the students had already started receiving their allowances, and all verified students would have received their payments by Monday. He concluded by highlighting that Governor Ododo had approved N1.5 billion for the state’s bursary and scholarship programs to further enhance the education sector and provide much-needed support to students.