Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has revealed a budget allocation of N1.5 billion for the 2025 bursary initiative, designed to assist indigene students attending public tertiary institutions nationwide.
During a press briefing in Lokoja on Monday, Wemi Jones, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, introduced a newly enhanced and more transparent registration system launched this year. He urged all qualifying students to seize this opportunity, underscoring Governor Ododo’s vision to elevate Kogi State as a leader in educational progress across Nigeria.
Entering its second phase, the bursary program-now dubbed Season Two-aims to build on the successes and lessons learned from its initial implementation.
Jones stated, “Governor Ododo is committed to increasing the number of bursary recipients this cycle compared to the last. The funds have been secured and are ready for immediate distribution.”
Highlighting the significance of steady growth, he compared the program’s evolution to the nurturing of a young tree: “Just as a sapling must withstand storms before it can grow strong and thrive, our first season acted as a pilot that provided crucial insights for improvement.”
Jones also commended Afolabi Joseph-Raji, the dedicated chairman of the Kogi Scholarship Board, for his efforts in pinpointing critical areas for enhancement that Season Two intends to address to maximize the program’s effectiveness.
“While government funding fills many gaps, the active involvement of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) is essential to ensure beneficiaries fully engage with the bursary. Without their collaboration, even the most generously funded programs cannot reach their full potential. The resources are available, but they cannot be allocated to unverifiable or fictitious applicants,” he emphasized.
Concluding the session, Jones reiterated the governor’s steadfast dedication: “Governor Ododo is focused on harnessing all necessary resources to position Kogi State as a model of educational excellence throughout Nigeria. Our achievements in Northern Nigeria are notable, and we are determined to extend this success nationwide.”