The Kogi State Government has earmarked N1.5 billion for the payment of bursary allowances to students of Kogi origin enrolled in tertiary institutions across the country for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, disclosed this yesterday in Lokoja while unveiling the online registration portal for the scheme.
He said the initiative reflects the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s continued commitment to the welfare and academic advancement of Kogi students.
Jones said the state was launching the portal to commence the bursary disbursement process for the 2025/2026 session, and encouraged all eligible undergraduates of Kogi origin to take advantage of the opportunity and benefit from the governor’s support.
He noted that the same amount was allocated during the 2024/2025 session, adding that although over 400,000 applications were received last year, only 8,170 were successfully processed and paid.
He explained that the previous exercise served as a pilot to test the online system and that significant improvements had since been made to ensure wider access and greater efficiency.
As part of efforts to boost awareness, the commissioner handed over sensitisation materials to the leadership of the Kogi State Students Association, urging them to mobilise students across tertiary institutions nationwide.
He said the state government was determined to surpass last year’s number of beneficiaries, and emphasised that only students who complete the registration process would be eligible to receive the bursary.
Also speaking, Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Mr. Afolabi Joseph, demonstrated the registration process and assured students of its simplicity.
He said the process had been streamlined and could now be completed using a mobile phone from any part of the country.
In his remarks, President of the National Association of Kogi State Students, Comrade Sunday Adeola, commended the state government for its sustained support for students.
He pledged that the association would embark on a state-wide sensitisation campaign to mobilise students across all tertiary institutions to register for the scheme.
Adeola also praised Governor Ododo for what he described as an unwavering commitment to education and student welfare.
