WIKE FLAGS OFF DISBURSEMENT OF ₦300M SCHOLARSHIP TO OVER 15,000 INDIGENT STUDENTS
By: Wisdom Acka
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the disbursement of over ₦300 million in scholarship awards to more than 15,000 indigent students studying in tertiary institutions at home and abroad.
This disclosure was made on Thursday, 24 April 2026, during the commencement of the disbursement process for the 2024/2025 award session at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.
The Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, who represented the Minister at the flag-off ceremony, stated that Wike has achieved tremendous success, not just in the education sector but in other sectors of the economy.
“Last year, we distributed over ₦300 million as scholarships to both international and national students. Now, this year, we have flagged it off for over 15,160 students who will benefit from this gesture of the Honourable Minister of the FCT.
“That is why the majority of our students studying abroad, as well as those in various tertiary institutions in Nigeria, will receive their disbursement today. This is part of the Honourable Minister’s achievements and transformation in education.”
He continued: “If you look closely, the administration of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has not only focused on the rehabilitation and renovation of schools, road construction, bridges, electricity, and other infrastructure but has now extended its impact to the lives of FCT students.
“When you visit most of our schools, including this one where the flag-off took place (GSS Wuse Zone 3), you will see significant transformation. You might even think you are in London or America. But no, you are not in London or America; you are in an FCT public school,” he emphasized.
Noting the increasing number of indigent students seeking scholarship awards, he called for support from donor agencies, private and public organizations, as well as well-to-do individuals in society, stating that the government alone cannot meet all educational needs.
“People with substantial means should come forward and complement the government’s efforts. The government cannot do it alone. It cannot take care of all students alone. The government will do its part, but private partnerships and philanthropic individuals can also partner with the FCT to move forward,” he appealed.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Director of the FCT Scholarship Board, Hannah David, revealed that the Board has remained steadfast in its responsibility of providing “educational assistance to indigenous and indigent pupils and students of the FCT across all levels of education.
According to her, while the Board has supported over 160,000 beneficiaries since its establishment in 2010, this award session would benefit 15,162 students, spanning “basic and post-basic schools, skills acquisition centers, special needs centers, as well as students studying in foreign institutions.”
The Director also stated that, to ensure transparency, scholarship funds are disbursed directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
She expressed appreciation to the FCT Minister and the Mandate Secretary for their unwavering support to the Board, reaffirming its commitment to achieving set objectives and the vision of President Bola Tinubu through the Minister.
However, the Director noted: “In view of the prevailing economic realities, there is a compelling need to review and enhance the scholarship grant across all levels of education. This will ensure that the support provided remains adequate, relevant, and impactful in meeting the needs of our beneficiaries.”
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Jonnah Shekwoyemi Anna, who recently gained admission to study for a Master of Science in Management at the University of Salford, United Kingdom, profusely thanked the FCT Minister for the opportunity to study abroad.
Miss Shekwoyemi, visibly overwhelmed with joy, pledged to make Nigeria proud and be a good ambassador of the country while in the UK.
An equally elated father, Mr. Jonnah Shekwoyemi, also thanked the Minister for the award, stating that the government had shouldered the huge responsibility of funding his daughter’s education.
He prayed for God’s continued protection over the Minister and for the strength to keep doing good works for the benefit of the less privileged in society.
Other beneficiaries present at the symbolic event included Miss Farida Sani Suleiman, a student at the University of West London; Basir Saidu of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and Yusuf Matthew of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State, among others.
Abuja Digest reports that educational items to assist education of special students were also distributed to the needy, including wheel chairs and exercise books, among others.
