Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has officially flagged off the disbursement of bursaries and scholarships to over 8,750 undergraduate students and students in the Nigerian Law School.
The governor, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Salifu Oyibo, disclosed this during the official flag-off ceremony for the disbursement of bursaries to Kogi State indigenes and the launch of the Ododo Student Camp Quiz Challenge, in Lokoja
According to the governor, the initiative, which saw over N316 million disbursed to 8,549 undergraduates and 201 law school students, is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and ensuring access to quality education for Kogi State indigene.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to education as a top priority and announced a policy of automatic employment for the best graduating students from all tertiary institutions in the state, noting that it is a reward for excellence and a strategy to inspire students to achieve academic distinction.
Governor Ododo also revealed that education is not only a right but a critical tool for societal development, revealed that over 30% of the state’s annual budget has been allocated to the education sector, reflecting the administration’s focus on combating crime, reducing out-of-school children, and driving overall growth.
He also highlighted the recent accreditation of the medicine program at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, as a major milestone in the state’s quest to produce skilled professionals.
The governor further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the student loan initiative, describing it as a transformative step towards national educational excellence.
Earlier, Raji Joseph Afolabi, Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, commended Governor Ododo’s initiative as a unique and groundbreaking move noted that this gesture will significantly alleviate the financial burden on parents and have a profound impact on the lives of Kogi students.
He stressed that Governor Ododo has given a significant boost to education in Kogi State by approving 1.5 billion naira for the state’s bursary and scholarship board. This investment aims to transform the education sector and provide much-needed support to students.
Governor Ododo also used the occasion to flag off the Ododo Student Camp Quiz Challenge, urging students to seize the opportunities provided by the government to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to the development of Kogi State.
