The Edo State Government has revived a bursary scheme for students of Edo origin studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, ending what sources describe as a more than two decade absence of such support.
Governor Monday Okpebholo approved a ₦1 billion annual bursary scheme for students of Edo origin enrolled in tertiary institutions across the country. This was disclosed in a statement issued in Benin City by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
According to the statement, Okpebholo made the pledge during a town hall meeting with youths, in response to a passionate appeal by several Edo State youth leaders who had urged the government to provide financial support to indigenes pursuing higher education in universities and other tertiary institutions nationwide.
The reintroduction of bursary payments comes after a 20-year gap, and the scheme is designed as an annual programme to provide consistent financial relief to students and their families.
Daily Post reports that the governor emphasized that eligibility for the bursary would be based on proper verification through applicants’ local government of origin, to ensure that only genuine indigenes of the state benefit from the scheme.
Okpebholo described the initiative as aligned with his administration’s broader vision to enhance access to quality education, encourage academic excellence, and support Edo youths to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.
The bursary scheme forms part of a wider education reform drive under the governor’s SHINE Agenda. The administration has also adopted the Federal Government’s NELFund programme to ensure no child is excluded from school due to financial hardship.
