The Oyo State Government has initiated the disbursement of bursary awards to students from the state studying in Law Schools, Medical Schools, Aviation Schools, and final-year students of universities and HND programmes nationwide.
The Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, Victor Olojede announced that approximately 2,950 students were selected from around 3,000 registrants, all of whom met the eligibility criteria.
The total bursary amount approved by the governor stands at N554,989,000. Olojede emphasised that Governor Makinde, described as a “friend of the students,” had earlier approved this significant support for the beneficiaries.
He said: “In March 2024, the governor approved the process for the bursary award. Over 3,000 students embarked on the registration and after due diligence had been done, we are left with 2,950. Some students were not selected because they did not meet the criteria.”
Olojede explained that out of the 2,950 beneficiaries, there are about 105 medical and clinical students, four maritime and aviation students, with the rest being final year students in polytechnics and universities.
“Governor Makinde deserves commendations, because previous administrations did not look into the aspect of bursary awards and scholarships for our students in any of the institutions in Nigeria, but Governor Makinde is doing this.”
Speaking earlier, chairman of the Oyo State Scholarship Board, Rt. Hon. Olawale Atilola, noted that the bursary award was another proof of Governor Makinde’s investments in education.
He advised the beneficiaries to use the scholarship awards and bursaries judiciously on things that would enhance their education, noting that the beneficiaries had applied around 2024 and after all due processes had been followed, they are getting the payments.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with newsmen, commended the governor for approving scholarships and bursary awards to Oyo State students, stating that it has been a long time since students of the state enjoyed such benefits from the state government.
One of the beneficiaries, Yetunde Ayoola, said before the bursary, she had only been getting support from her parents as she had never had the opportunity of accessing any scholarship having never met up with the criteria for scholarships in terms of age and other things.
She stated: “But for this one, the only criterion is just for me to be an indigene of Oyo State, which has made me qualified for the bursary. I am so glad and want to thank Governor Seyi Makinde for this initiative that we are benefiting from today.”
Another beneficiary, Akanbi Mayowa, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to get shortlisted for the bursary, noting that it will ease the stress of paying his final year school fees and have a great impact on his education.
He said: “Before getting this bursary, I had always been engaging myself in doing one menial job or the other and the little support from my parents to pay my school fees. So, I want to say thank you to the governor for this. He is one of the best governors we have in this state and this country.”
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