In a significant move to bolster education and empower the youth of Nasarawa State, the state government has disbursed N592 million as bursary awards to 16,756 students studying at various tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The announcement was made by Governor Abdullahi Sule during the official disbursement ceremony held on Thursday in Akwanga Local Government Area. This initiative underscores the governor’s commitment to transforming the education sector and investing in the future of the state’s youth, positioning education as a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda.
Governor Sule, speaking at the event, emphasized that education remains the top priority of his government, a commitment reflected in the allocation of 36 percent of the state’s 2025 budget to the education sector. He described the bursary disbursement as a deliberate effort to alleviate the financial burdens faced by students and their families, enabling them to focus on their academic pursuits. “This gesture is part of our commitment to investing in the future and transforming the education sector,” Sule stated, highlighting the administration’s vision to build a skilled and educated workforce to drive the state’s development.
The governor further outlined several educational initiatives undertaken by his administration to support students at various levels. One notable achievement is the restoration of international scholarships, through which the state is currently sponsoring 155 students pursuing various courses in universities abroad. This program aims to expose Nasarawa’s youth to global educational standards and equip them with skills to contribute to the state’s growth upon their return. Additionally, the state government is sponsoring nursing students and others in various universities across Nigeria, a strategic move to build a robust manpower base for critical sectors such as healthcare.
In another effort to ease the financial strain on families, Governor Sule disclosed that the state government had covered the 2025 National Examination Council (NECO) registration fees for over 24,000 secondary school students in public schools. “This initiative was designed to reduce the burden on parents and ensure that no student is denied the opportunity to advance their education due to financial constraints,” he explained. By covering these fees, the government aims to promote access to quality education and encourage academic excellence among young people in the state.
During the ceremony, Sule also issued a directive to the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board to commence preparations for the disbursement of bursary allowances for the 2025/2026 academic session. This proactive step demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that future disbursements are timely and efficient, further supporting students in their academic journeys.
Hajia Sa’Adatu Yahaya, the Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, provided further details on the bursary disbursement process. She expressed gratitude to Governor Sule for his unwavering support and commitment to education, which has enabled the board to carry out its mandate effectively. According to Yahaya, the board received applications from 25,000 students through an online portal. Following a rigorous online screening exercise, 17,762 applicants were initially shortlisted for the bursary.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the board conducted a physical verification process after the state government approved payments for the shortlisted candidates. This verification revealed that 2,006 applicants were no longer students, leading to their delisting from the beneficiary list. As a result, the final number of beneficiaries was reduced to 16,756. “We refunded the money allocated for the ineligible applicants to the state government, ensuring that only deserving students benefit from this initiative,” Yahaya stated.
The bursary amounts awarded to students ranged from N30,000 to N90,000, depending on the course of study. This tiered approach reflects the varying financial needs of students pursuing different academic programs, ensuring that the support provided is equitable and impactful. Yahaya assured stakeholders that the board would continue to uphold transparency and accountability in all its operations, in line with the mandate given by Governor Sule. “We are committed to ensuring that every process is fair, transparent, and aligned with the governor’s vision for education in Nasarawa State,” she said.
The bursary disbursement is expected to have a significant impact on the beneficiaries, many of whom face financial challenges in pursuing their tertiary education. By providing this support, the state government is helping to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, enabling students to focus on their studies without the constant worry of financial constraints. The initiative also aligns with broader national goals of improving access to education and reducing dropout rates among tertiary students.
Representing the beneficiaries, Ovey Abimiku, the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), expressed profound gratitude to Governor Sule for the bursary program. He described the initiative as a lifeline for students struggling to meet the costs of their education. “This gesture will go a long way in supporting our academic pursuits and ensuring that we can focus on becoming the leaders of tomorrow,” Abimiku said. He assured the governor that the beneficiaries would utilize the funds judiciously to advance their educational careers and contribute to the development of Nasarawa State.
The disbursement of N592 million to 16,756 students is a testament to the Nasarawa State government’s commitment to education as a catalyst for socio-economic development. By investing in human capital, the administration is laying the foundation for a more prosperous and competitive state. The focus on education, as evidenced by the significant budget allocation and targeted interventions like the bursary program, positions Nasarawa as a leader in educational development among Nigerian states.
As the state continues to implement these initiatives, stakeholders are hopeful that the impact will be felt not only by the current beneficiaries but also by future generations. The government’s efforts to sponsor students both locally and internationally, cover examination fees, and provide financial support through bursaries demonstrate a holistic approach to education reform. These measures are expected to enhance the quality of education, increase enrollment rates, and produce a skilled workforce capable of addressing the state’s developmental challenges.
Moving forward, the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board is expected to maintain its commitment to transparency and efficiency in managing the bursary program. The board’s rigorous screening and verification processes have set a high standard for accountability, ensuring that public funds are used effectively to support deserving students. With the governor’s directive to begin preparations for the next academic session, the board is poised to sustain this momentum and continue delivering on its mandate.
In conclusion, the disbursement of N592 million in bursary awards to 16,756 students marks a significant milestone in Nasarawa State’s efforts to transform its education sector. Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to empowering the youth through education, and this initiative is a step toward achieving that vision. As the beneficiaries utilize these funds to pursue their academic dreams, the ripple effects of this investment are expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nasarawa State for years to come.
