Bauchi releases ₦800m for students’ scholarship, sponsors 100 for foreign study

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has approved the disbursement of ₦945,250,000 for the 2024/2025 scholarship programme for indigenes of the state, with ₦800m already released to beneficiaries across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The National President of the National Union of Bauchi State Students, Bello Ibrahim, who disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday, described the gesture as historic both in scale and impact.

According to him, a total of 21,901 applicants were recorded, while 19,546 verified beneficiaries have already received the sum of ₦801,263,200 across 154 tertiary institutions nationwide.

He added that the outstanding balance of ₦145,250,000 would soon be cleared.

“For too long, scholarship payment had become a matter of doubt, delay, and disappointment. Many students struggled with tuition, examinations, and basic sustenance due to irregularities in disbursement.

“But today, under the compassionate leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, it has become a source of renewed trust, confidence, and reassurance,” Ibrahim said.

The NUBASS president further revealed that the governor recently sponsored 100 indigenous students of Bauchi State to pursue advanced studies in China, with the first batch already embarking on their journey.

“This visionary investment in international education reflects his determination to ensure that Bauchi youths compete not only nationally but globally in science, technology, and innovation,” he added.

Speaking on campus security, Ibrahim noted that the union had engaged the Bauchi State Police Command following rising cases of insecurity around schools.

He said the Commissioner of Police had approved the establishment of a police station at Wuntin Dada to protect Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic and its environs, alongside increased patrols and surveillance around campuses.

He also highlighted other achievements under the present administration of NUBASS, including the renovation of the NUBASS Secretariat, which had been abandoned for over a decade, distribution of free JAMB registration pins and state-wide orientation for indigent students, hosting of the first-ever EDUTECH Conference in Bauchi, which brought together policymakers, scholars, and students to explore the future of digital education, and consistent advocacy and interventions, ranging from scholarship follow-ups to campus tours and student welfare initiatives.

Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Governor Mohammed, security agencies, and the student community, describing the scholarship as “an investment in human capital, the most precious asset of any society.”

He assured that the union would continue to advocate for students’ welfare while working with the government and stakeholders to secure safer learning environments.

Source: Punch