Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved the sum of ₦1 billion for bursary support to indigenes of the state currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The landmark approval is a direct response to persistent calls by Edo youth leaders during a recent town hall meeting, where the Governor engaged young people in a bid to understand and address their educational challenges.
During the interactive session, student leaders and representatives of various youth organisations passionately appealed to the Governor to consider introducing a bursary scheme to alleviate the financial burden many Edo students face while pursuing higher education. In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo promised to give the proposal serious consideration, describing education as a cornerstone of development and empowerment.
The newly approved bursary initiative will now become an annual program, according to the government, aimed at providing sustainable financial relief for students and their families. It is expected to impact thousands of Edo indigenes studying in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide, helping to improve access to education and support academic progress.
In a statement released on Sunday by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, it was revealed that eligibility for the bursary will be subject to thorough verification processes. Applicants will be required to provide valid documentation from their Local Government of Origin to confirm their status as bona fide Edo State indigenes. This measure, the government noted, is to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries are considered for financial support.
The statement emphasized that the bursary scheme is aligned with the administration’s broader educational development agenda, which prioritises investment in human capital, promotion of academic excellence, and encouragement of Edo youths to contribute positively to the state’s future. “Governor Okpebholo’s vision is to use education as a tool to empower our youth and build a prosperous Edo State driven by knowledge and innovation,” the release stated.
While applauding the Governor’s approval, several student groups have described the gesture as timely and commendable. Many have pointed out that the cost of tuition, accommodation, and other academic expenses have continued to rise, making it increasingly difficult for students from less privileged backgrounds to stay in school. The ₦1 billion bursary fund is therefore seen as a welcome intervention that will reduce dropout rates and improve students’ overall academic performance.
The statement concluded by noting that detailed guidelines on the application process, documentation requirements, and disbursement timelines will soon be made public by the relevant government agencies. Students have been advised to stay informed and ensure their local government documents are up-to-date to benefit from the scheme.
