FCTA PREPARES ₦300M FOR SCHOLARSHIP, BEGINS DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS MONDAY

By Gloria Isah & Wisdom Acka

In order to complement the massive renovation of about 90 public schools in the Federal Capital Territory and deepen the transformation of the education sector, authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have disclosed that about ₦300 million in scholarships is being earmarked for the 2024/2025 award session.

This disclosure was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the FCT Scholarship Board office in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, on 24th September 2025.

The Director of the FCT Scholarship Board, Mrs. Hanna Peter David, in her remarks during the meeting, stated that the Board is committed to empowering the indigene and indigent pupils and students of the Territory in pursuing their academic dreams.

She stressed that the meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholder deliberation on the required application process, eligibility criteria, and requirements that will guide this session’s operations.

Her words: “Your presence here today underscores the importance of collaboration and collective effort in shaping the future of our pupils and students in the FCT. Your expertise, insights, and recommendations will be invaluable in refining our scholarship programme and ensuring that it meets the needs of our children.

“I would like to emphasize that our scholarship programme is designed to provide support and assistance to indigenes and indigent pupils and students, enabling them to access quality education and unlock their full potential.

“We believe that education is a key driver of personal growth, economic development, and social mobility.”

Mrs. David said that the issuance of the limited forms would last for only five days, commencing from 29th September and ending on 3rd October 2025, insisting that forms must not be collected by proxy, especially for fresh applicants.

The Director advised them to always use their personal account details to avoid challenges with accessing the scholarship.

She also called on good-spirited individuals and corporate bodies to support the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike’s unprecedented efforts in turning around the plight of the education sector in the FCT.

“The Minister is already doing wonderfully well in the infrastructural transformation, administrative repositioning, prudent financial management, and educational development, with the massive renovation and upgrading of our schools.

“Through the FCT Scholarship Board, His Excellency is ensuring that those who would ordinarily not be able to afford education can be supported to achieve their dreams of acquiring education,” she said.

Stakeholders at the meeting, made up mainly of student leaders, traditional leaders, and FCT staff, deliberated on the way forward for the Board’s activities, making suggestions and requests.

While the student representatives expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for the assistance, they passionately appealed for an increase in the scholarship figures. The traditional rulers requested more slots/forms.

The students argued that the prevailing economic conditions in the country made it imperative for an increase, hence their appeal.