In a major boost to educational support and youth empowerment, the Nasarawa State Government has officially disbursed a total of ₦592 million as bursary allowances to 16,756 indigent students enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The move, which has drawn widespread commendation from students and education stakeholders, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to financial hardship.
Governor Sule Prioritizes Education in Nasarawa’s 2025 Agenda
Under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State has continued to set the pace in educational investment and student welfare. According to official reports, 36% of the state’s 2025 budget has been allocated to education — one of the highest proportions in the country.
This strategic investment, the government says, reflects a long-term vision to empower young people, boost literacy, and strengthen the state’s human capital base.
Speaking during the disbursement exercise, Governor Sule reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to educational development. He emphasized that the bursary scheme was designed not only to reduce the financial burden on students but also to motivate them to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.
₦592 Million Shared Among 16,756 Beneficiaries
According to figures released by the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, a total of 25,000 students initially applied for the bursary allowance. Following a thorough online screening and subsequent physical verification, 17,762 applicants were shortlisted. After final vetting, 16,756 qualified students were confirmed eligible to receive the bursary payment.
The bursary amounts varied depending on students’ courses of study, with beneficiaries receiving between ₦30,000 and ₦90,000 each. This categorization was reportedly based on the academic demands and financial needs associated with different programs — particularly in science, medicine, and engineering disciplines.
Officials further disclosed that about 200 ineligible candidates were delisted after failing to meet verification requirements, leading to the refund of ₦122,108 to the state treasury.
Transparent Process Ensures Only Genuine Beneficiaries Benefit
The Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Scholarship Board, Umar Dahiru, explained that the government introduced a transparent digital system and physical verification process to eliminate irregularities.
He noted that the exercise was carefully managed to ensure that only genuine students from Nasarawa State, currently enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions, benefitted from the scheme. The move, according to him, aligns with Governor Sule’s vision of an accountable and fair government.
Dahiru added that the bursary initiative is part of broader educational interventions that include funding for overseas scholarships, payment of public examination fees, and infrastructural development in schools.
155 Students Sponsored Abroad and NECO Fees Paid for 24,000 Candidates
In addition to the bursary disbursement, Nasarawa State has also sponsored 155 students overseas to study specialized courses in various institutions around the world. The government believes that such exposure will enhance the quality of education and foster global competitiveness among young indigenes.
Furthermore, the state has covered the National Examination Council (NECO) registration fees for over 24,000 students in public secondary schools. This gesture, according to the governor, is part of efforts to support families struggling with the high cost of education and to ensure that no student drops out due to inability to pay examination fees.
Students Express Gratitude for the Government’s Support
Student leaders and beneficiaries have praised the Nasarawa State Government for the financial relief and encouragement provided through the bursary initiative. Many described the gesture as a “lifeline” that would enable them to meet pressing academic expenses such as tuition, accommodation, and project materials.
One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Mohammed, a student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for keeping his promise. “This support has come at the right time. It will help me focus on my studies without worrying about how to pay for my next semester fees,” she said.
Educational Investment as a Catalyst for Development
The bursary disbursement represents a significant step in Nasarawa’s broader plan to build an educated and empowered society. Analysts believe that prioritizing education funding not only uplifts families but also stimulates socio-economic growth and reduces youth unemployment.
By channeling resources into student welfare and institutional development, the state government is laying a strong foundation for a more skilled and competitive workforce. The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s national goal of achieving inclusive education and improving access to quality learning for all citizens.
Looking Ahead
As the disbursement exercise concludes, the Nasarawa State Government has assured that similar initiatives will continue in subsequent years to accommodate more deserving students. Governor Sule emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for transformation, adding that his administration will sustain and expand all scholarship and bursary programs despite economic challenges.
The government also revealed plans to review the bursary policy periodically to enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency. With consistent support, Nasarawa hopes to produce a new generation of graduates capable of driving innovation, governance, and development in the state and beyond.
Summary Table: Nasarawa State Bursary Disbursement (2025)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Amount Disbursed | ₦592 million |
| Total Applicants | 25,000 |
| Verified Beneficiaries | 16,756 |
| Amount per Student | ₦30,000 – ₦90,000 |
| Ineligible Candidates Removed | 200 |
| Refund to Treasury | ₦122,108 |
| Overseas Students Sponsored | 155 |
| NECO Fees Paid for Public Students | 24,000 |
| Education Budget Allocation (2025) | 36% of State Budget |
The bursary disbursement in Nasarawa State stands as a commendable model of government responsiveness to the educational needs of its people. At a time when many students across the nation struggle with financial constraints, this gesture not only provides immediate relief but also reaffirms the power of proactive governance in shaping a brighter future through education.
