Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni , has approved the disbursement of scholarships and bursaries to 28,346 Yobe State indigenes currently studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, in what has been described as one of the most far-reaching educational interventions by any state government in recent times.
The approval underscores the Governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, access to education, and human capital development as critical pillars for sustainable growth.
According to the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board (YSSB), Dr. Kagu Abubakar, Yobe State University recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 7,636 successful applicants, reflecting the steady growth of the institution and the increasing enrolment of Yobe indigenes in higher education. Students of other universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and specialized institutions across the country are also captured in the comprehensive beneficiary list.
Dr. Kagu disclosed that Governor Buni has further approved a 100 percent increment in all categories of scholarship payments, effectively doubling what students previously received.
Under the new payment regime, PGDE, Master’s and PhD students will now receive ₦110,000, up from the former ₦55,000.
While undergraduate students will receive ₦46,000, as against ₦23,000 previously paid. HND, NCE and National Diploma students will now receive ₦34,000, instead of the former ₦17,000, while students pursuing other Diploma, Certificate and Consultancy programmes will now receive ₦26,000, up from ₦13,000.
The increment, he noted, is in recognition of the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of education across the country.
To ensure transparency, efficiency and smooth implementation of the exercise, the Scholarship Board recently convened a joint stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of the House Committee on Higher Education, officials of the Ministry of Higher Education, Youth and Sports, education Focal Persons, as well as student leaders from various tertiary institutions.
The meeting reviewed the operational framework, harmonized schedules and addressed logistical issues to guarantee the successful execution of the exercise nationwide.
In line with established procedures, Dr. Kagu stated that the names, admission details and academic records of all successful beneficiaries will be forwarded to their respective institutions and recognized student bodies, while a comprehensive timetable for the disbursement exercise will be officially released to guide students and institutions accordingly. This, he emphasized, is to prevent congestion, ensure orderliness and eliminate sharp practices.
The Executive Secretary conveyed the gratitude and appreciation of students, parents and guardians across Yobe State to Governor Mai Mala Buni for his continued and consistent investment in education.
He noted that the scholarship scheme has remained a major source of relief for thousands of families, improved school retention rates, and strengthened access to tertiary education for indigent but brilliant students across the state.
Dr. Kagu assured that the Office of the Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Scholarship Board will continue to provide regular updates to all schools, beneficiaries and the general public on developments relating to the exercise, stressing that the Board remains committed to accountability, transparency and timely service delivery in the execution of its mandate.
