The Yobe State Government has approved the disbursement of scholarships and bursaries to 28,346 indigent students currently enrolled in tertiary institutions across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Scholarship Board (YSSB), Dr. Kagu Abubakar, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Damaturu.
According to him, Yobe State University (YSU) accounts for the highest number of beneficiaries, with 7,636 successful applicants, a development he said reflects both the institution’s steady growth and the rising number of Yobe youths pursuing higher education.
Dr. Kagu noted that the beneficiary list also includes students in federal and state universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and specialised institutions nationwide.
He announced that Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved a 100 percent increment in scholarship payments across all categories, effectively doubling the amount previously given to students.
Under the revised payment structure:
PGDE, Master’s, and PhD students will now receive ₦110,000, up from ₦55,000.
Undergraduate students will receive ₦46,000, increased from ₦23,000.
HND, NCE, and National Diploma students will be paid ₦34,000, instead of ₦17,000.
Students in Diploma, Certificate, and Consultancy programmes will now get ₦26,000, up from ₦13,000.
He explained that the increment was approved in recognition of current economic challenges and the rising cost of education across the country.
Dr. Kagu added that the names, admission details, and academic records of all successful beneficiaries would be forwarded to their respective institutions and recognised student bodies. A detailed timetable for the disbursement exercise will also be released soon to guide students and institutions.
He described the scholarship scheme as a lifeline for many households, saying it has improved student retention and expanded access to tertiary education for bright but indigent students across the state.
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting human capital development and reducing financial barriers to education.
