The Kogi State Government has commenced the disbursement of N646.8 million in bursary allowances to 20,347 students from the state studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The programme, which marks the second season of the Kogi State Students’ Bursary Scheme, was formally launched on Thursday at the Government House in Lokoja.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, said the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to reduce the financial burden on students and support access to education.
Under the scheme, eligible students will receive N30,000 each, while medical students will receive an increased allowance of N75,000 because of the higher costs associated with their studies.
The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Afolabi Joseph-Raji, said the N646.8 million covers 20,347 verified beneficiaries for the 2025/2026 academic session.
He explained that the first batch, amounting to N403 million, would cover 13,157 students studying in tertiary institutions within Kogi State.
Students studying outside the state, including those in more than 300 institutions across the country, will receive their payments in the second phase.
Joseph-Raji said the bursary programme had been expanded significantly, noting that about 8,000 students benefited during the previous season.
He also disclosed that the government had abolished the former system requiring students to pay N650 for scratch cards to access the application portal. Applications are now free, online and paperless.
The board said medical students would begin receiving their payments immediately, with other beneficiaries to follow as the disbursement process continues. The government said all 20,347 verified beneficiaries are expected to receive their payments before the end of the week, subject to the disbursement process.
The outgoing National President of the National Association of Kogi State Students, Sunday Adeola Simon, commended the government for commencing the bursary payment and appealed for similar support to be extended to Kogi students studying outside the state and those at the Nigerian Law School.
The state government reiterated its commitment to prioritising education and supporting students through financial assistance and other programmes.
