Students in Akwa Ibom State have expressed delight and appreciation over Governor Umo Eno’s proposed upward review of the state bursary, describing the move as a timely intervention that would significantly ease the financial burden on students in public tertiary institutions across the country.
The students, who spoke in separate interviews in Uyo, the state capital, said the proposed increase, if implemented, would go a long way in helping them meet their academic and welfare needs, especially in the face of the current economic challenges facing the nation.
Governor Umo Eno had announced plans to increase the state bursary from the current Fifty Thousand Naira to Two Hundred Thousand Naira for students in public tertiary institutions generally, while those studying professional courses such as Medicine, Law and Engineering would receive Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira.
The governor made the announcement during a fireside chat on the second day of the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference held at Ibom Hall, Uyo, where he interacted with youths, entrepreneurs and stakeholders on issues of youth development, education and economic growth.
According to Governor Eno, the proposed increase is part of his administration’s ARISE Agenda which places premium on human capital development, youth empowerment and access to quality education as critical pillars for sustainable development of the state.
He stated that his administration recognises the difficulties faced by Akwa Ibom students in tertiary institutions, particularly with the rising cost of living, tuition fees and academic materials, and is committed to providing necessary support to ensure that no student drops out due to financial constraints.
The governor explained that the bursary increase is intended to serve as a relief package and an encouragement to Akwa Ibom students to remain focused on their studies and excel in their academic pursuits, thereby contributing to the development of the state and the nation.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development and access to education, noting that education remains the best legacy any government can bequeath to its citizens and the foundation for building a prosperous and knowledgeable society.
Governor Eno assured that his government would continue to invest in the education sector through improvement of infrastructure, payment of bursaries and grants, support for entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes for youths in the state.
The announcement has since generated excitement and positive reactions among students of Akwa Ibom State origin in various tertiary institutions, who described the initiative as laudable, people-oriented and a clear demonstration of the governor’s love for education.
Speaking with Comfort FM News in Uyo, one of the students, Miss Promise Udoutong, a student of the University of Uyo, commended Governor Eno for the initiative, saying it would provide greater financial support to students and help them cope with academic expenses.
Promise noted that many students are struggling to pay school fees, buy textbooks, pay house rents and meet other daily needs due to the harsh economic realities, and that the proposed increase would bring significant relief to them.
She expressed optimism that the governor would match his words with action by ensuring that the increased bursary is promptly implemented and that the disbursement process is made transparent and seamless for all eligible students to benefit.
Another student, Mr Destiny Henry, who studies at the Akwa Ibom State University, also lauded the governor for prioritising the welfare of students and described the proposed increase as a welcome development that shows responsive leadership.
Destiny said the current Fifty Thousand Naira bursary is no longer realistic in the face of inflation and rising costs, and that the increase to Two Hundred Thousand Naira and Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira for professional courses is a step in the right direction.
According to him, the increased bursary would help students to purchase academic materials, pay for accommodation, carry out research and handle other school-related expenses without necessarily depending solely on their parents or guardians.
He appealed to the state government to ensure that the payment process is devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks and that all genuine Akwa Ibom students in public tertiary institutions, both within and outside the state, are captured as beneficiaries.
Similarly, the Financial Secretary of the Students’ Union Government of the University of Uyo, Comrade Blessing Solomon Effiong, described the proposal as a welcome commitment to supporting students throughout their educational journey.
Blessing said the Students’ Union Government is highly elated by the governor’s pronouncement and that it reaffirms the administration’s dedication to youth development and educational advancement as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda.
She noted that the increase would not only cushion the financial hardship faced by students but would also serve as a morale booster and motivate students to work harder and achieve academic excellence in their various fields of study.
The SUG official further commended Governor Eno for creating platforms such as the Ibom Ignite Conference which provides opportunities for youths to interact with government, share ideas and be inspired towards entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance.
She called on students of Akwa Ibom State origin to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by being serious with their studies, shunning vices such as cultism, drug abuse and examination malpractice, and becoming good ambassadors of the state.
Some parents and guardians in the state have also welcomed the development, saying it would reduce the financial burden on families and enable them to channel resources to other pressing household needs.
They praised Governor Eno for keeping to his promise of running a people-centred government that prioritises the welfare of citizens, especially the youth who are the future leaders of the state.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the education sector have urged the state government to ensure sustainability of the bursary scheme by creating a dedicated fund and ensuring regular and timely payment to avoid accumulation of arrears.
They also advised that a robust verification mechanism should be put in place to ensure that only genuine students benefit from the scheme and that the funds are not diverted to unintended beneficiaries.
As students await the formal approval and implementation of the new bursary regime, many have expressed hope that the proposed increase would be captured in the 2026 budget and that disbursement would commence soon to enable them to benefit from the governor’s magnanimity.
