Ododo Releases N1.5bn Bursary Fund For Kogi Students

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has approved N1.5 billion for bursary awards to indigenes of the state studying in tertiary institutions for the 2025/26 academic year.

The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden of students and supporting their education.

Each successful applicant will receive N30,000, while Kogi indigenes currently in the seven law schools across the country will get N300,000. The fund, according to state officials, is already set aside for direct disbursement once registration is completed.

The registration portal for the scheme was launched in Lokoja during a press briefing by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones. He explained that the online portal would open on September 29 and close on October 31, 2025. Eligible students are expected to apply through the official scholarship board website.

The commissioner described the process as improved and transparent, stressing that the current round, tagged “Season Two,” was designed to build on the success of last year’s bursary phase. He noted that Governor Ododo remained committed to strengthening education and expanding opportunities for young people across Kogi State.

Chairman of the State Scholarship Board, Afolabi Joseph-Raji, recalled that during the first phase, about 8,750 students received payments. He explained that over 44,000 students had registered in the previous year, but only 11,000 uploaded required documents, which left many disqualified. This year’s registration, he said, has been simplified so students can complete their applications more easily.

The board stated that required documents, including admission letters and school identification cards, must be uploaded before registration is finalized. This adjustment is expected to reduce errors and allow more eligible students to benefit from the scheme.

Two beneficiaries of last year’s bursary testified that the allowance helped them tackle academic expenses, while the leadership of the National Association of Kogi State Students pledged to mobilize students across campuses to take part in the exercise.

The bursary scheme, according to the state, reflects Governor Ododo’s broader goal of positioning Kogi as a reference point for educational development in Nigeria.