The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the sum of ₦1 billion as annual bursary support for students of Edo State origin in tertiary institutions across the country.
The announcement was made during a town hall meeting with young people in Edo State, where the Governor responded to appeals from youth leaders who called for the introduction of a bursary scheme to ease the financial burden on students pursuing higher education nationwide.
The approval of the bursary, less than eight months into Governor Okpebholo’s tenure, is seen as a significant policy shift and is expected to become a yearly programme to support Edo students and their families.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, hailed the initiative as a “historic and visionary” investment in the youth and future of the state.
“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has once again demonstrated unparalleled leadership by approving this ₦1 billion annual bursary. It is a direct investment in the dreams, talents, and destinies of thousands of Edo students across Nigeria,” Dr Iyamu said.
He added that the initiative is not only a response to financial need but also aligns with the administration’s broader goals of enhancing access to education, promoting academic excellence, and developing human capital.
According to Dr. Paddy, eligibility for the bursary will be based on proper verification through each applicant’s Local Government of Origin, to ensure the scheme benefits only genuine Edo indigenes.
The Commissioner also noted that the bursary complements existing efforts such as the recently introduced NELFUND support program, and aligns with ongoing reforms in the state’s education sector.
“This is a transformative moment in the history of Edo education. With this bursary scheme and other ongoing reforms, no Edo child will be left behind,” Dr Iyamu added.
He praised the resilience and determination of Edo students, urging them to see the bursary as both support and motivation to stay committed to academic success.
Details regarding application procedures, timelines, and disbursement mechanisms are expected to be released by the relevant state agencies in the coming days.
