The Nasarawa State Government has released over ₦592 million in bursary allowances to 16,756 indigent students enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to education and human capital development.
Speaking during the disbursement ceremony in Akwanga, Governor Abdullahi Sule said the initiative reflects his administration’s long-term investment in the state’s future workforce. He noted that education remains the administration’s top priority, evidenced by the 36 per cent allocation dedicated to the sector in the 2025 state budget.
Governor Sule highlighted ongoing efforts to remove financial barriers for students, including the restoration of international scholarships. Currently, 155 students from Nasarawa are being sponsored abroad to study specialised courses. The state is also funding nursing and university students within Nigeria to build critical manpower in key sectors.
“We paid the 2025 NECO registration fees for more than 24,000 public secondary school students to ease the burden on parents,” he added, directing the State Scholarship Board to commence preparations for the 2025/2026 bursary cycle.
Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, Hajia Sa’adatu Yahaya, explained that 25,000 students initially applied through the government portal. After an online screening, 17,762 applicants were shortlisted before a physical verification process revealed 2,006 ineligible candidates who were no longer enrolled, reducing the final number of beneficiaries to 16,756. The board refunded ₦122,108 to the state government for the delisted cases.
Beneficiaries received bursary payments ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦90,000 depending on their course of study. Yahaya assured that the board remains committed to transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Ovey Abimiku, expressed gratitude and pledged that beneficiaries would use the support to advance their education.
The bursary scheme is expected to relieve financial pressure on students while contributing to a stronger pool of skilled graduates who can drive development in Nasarawa State and beyond.
