UYO – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has approved the release of ₦1.3 billion for the payment of bursaries to eligible students across the state.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah disclosed this in a statement to the media on Tuesday saying, the move by the State government is aimed at strengthening access to higher education and reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
He said the Governor also approved a significant increase in the bursary award from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per beneficiary, representing a 150 percent increment and one of the largest student support interventions in the state’s recent history.
The Commissioner, who described the approval as a demonstration of Governor Eno’s commitment to human capital development and youth empowerment stated that, the bursary payment will benefit eligible students of Akwa Ibom origin studying in various tertiary institutions across the country, in providing much-needed financial assistance amid prevailing economic challenges.
Umanah noted that, the Governor’s decision reflects his administration’s determination to invest in education as a strategic tool for sustainable development and economic growth.
He said the increased bursary package is designed to ease the cost of tuition, accommodation, books and other educational expenses, while encouraging students to remain focused on their academic pursuits.
“The approval of ₦1.3 billion for bursary payments and the upward review of the bursary from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per beneficiary underscore Governor Umo Eno’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of students and the development of the state’s human capital,” the statement said.
Observers have described the intervention as a major boost to the education sector, noting that it aligns with the ARISE Agenda of the Eno administration, which places premium attention on education, youth development and social welfare.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students across the state and further reinforce the government’s efforts to create opportunities for young people through education and skills development.
With the latest approval, the Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a future of opportunities for all, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of academic excellence and the realization of students’ aspirations.
