Education
Gov. Sule Launches Bursary Disbursement, Releases Over ₦2bn for 2023/2024 Students
By David Odama
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has flagged off the disbursement of bursaries for the 2023/2024 academic year, announcing the release of over ₦2 billion for indigent students in tertiary institutions across the country.
Speaking at the event in Akwanga, Governor Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education as the bedrock of manpower development and societal transformation.
“I appreciate everyone for carrying out this exercise and even returning excess money. That demonstration shows that Nasarawa has come of age. I thank you for the transparency, prudence, and honesty you have displayed,” the governor said.
He emphasized the need for the scholarship board to remain vigilant against fraudulent claims, warning that government must be deliberate in addressing such issues. While congratulating the beneficiaries, Sule underscored the centrality of education to progress and development.
“Education is key. Without proper education, there can be no transformation. Today, Nasarawa is ranked fifth in WAEC nationally. This was possible because we took bold steps such as paying all NECO fees, ensuring even indigent students could write their exams,” he added.
Governor Sule disclosed that over 24,000 students recently had their NECO fees paid by the state. He also linked his own educational journey to scholarship opportunities, recalling that it gave him the platform to study abroad.
He explained that since assuming office, his administration has reintroduced scholarships, cleared backlogs from 2016–2019, and currently sponsors about 155 students studying abroad, in addition to 38,580 students in various institutions across Nigeria. Fifteen others are enrolled at Bamewal International University, Masaka, while 50 nurses and midwifery students are being sponsored at the School of Nursing Sciences, Bichi, Kano State.
“In total, over ₦2 billion has been disbursed for scholarships. By the grace of God, the pending 2024 bursary will also be paid once this exercise is concluded,” Sule assured.
The governor also pledged to continue allocating a significant portion of the state’s budget to education. “We started with 26 percent, then 31, and now 36—all dedicated to education. I pledge to sustain this priority,” he declared.
On the appointment of a substantive Provost for the College of Education, Akwanga, Sule promised transparency, assuring that only a competent hand would be appointed.
In her address, the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, Hajiya Sa’adatu O. Yahaya, described the bursary disbursement as a milestone in the state’s pursuit of academic excellence. She disclosed that 16,756 students were identified as beneficiaries, with the total sum amounting to ₦592,223,000. “The board will revalue ₦122,110,000 to the state government,” she added.
Commissioner for Education, Dr. John D. Mamman, applauded Governor Sule’s investments in education, particularly in WAEC and NECO sponsorship, which has placed Nasarawa among the top five performing states nationwide. He also praised the governor’s introduction of conditional cash transfers for girls, stating that no fewer than 14,000 girls would each receive ₦3,000 to support school retention and completion.