– Gov Eno raises bursary from N20,000 to N50,000 per beneficiary in tertiary institutions
Aniefiok Christopher
Akwa Ibom Government has approved N3.2 billion for payment of bursary to students in tertiary institutions and payment of examination fees for students in the basic and secondary schools across the state.
A breakdown shows that ₦1.3 billion is for payment of bursary to eligible students of the state origin for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Another ₦1.968 billion is for examination fees for students at the basic and secondary education levels, showing Governor Umo Eno administration’s sustained commitment to expanding access to quality education and reducing the financial burden on parents and guardians across the state.
A press release by Dr. Aniekan Umanah, the state Commissioner for Information, on Tuesday, said Governor Umo Eno has raised the bursary award from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per beneficiary, providing greater financial support to students.
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According to the release, ₦1.368 billion has been allocated for the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees and related expenses, including National Identification Number (NIN) registration, online and offline biometric registration, science practical examinations, Continuous Assessment (CASS), monitoring, and examination administration.
Another ₦50 million has been approved for the payment of National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination fees.
Already, ₦550 million has been earmarked for the conduct of key state examinations, including the Common Entrance and Placement Examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Senior Secondary II Promotion Examination, Entrance Examination into Senior Science Colleges, and Entrance Examination into Government Model Girls’ Secondary School, Akwa Ibom State.
‘‘The approved funds will cover critical examination requirements for students of Akwa Ibom State origin, including external examinations, registration processes, and other administrative obligations,’’ according to the release.
It said the approval reflects the Governor’s resolve under the ARISE Agenda to sustain free and compulsory education and ensure that every Akwa Ibom child has access to quality learning opportunities and the necessary support to complete basic and secondary education.
Eno directed the Ministry of Education and relevant departments and agencies to ensure urgent compliance and immediate implementation of the approval, with a mandate to facilitate the timely payment of all examination-related fees and prevent any student from being disadvantaged due to financial constraints.’’
‘‘This underscores Governor Umo Eno administration’s continued investment in human capital development and its determination to build an education system that empowers Akwa Ibom children with the knowledge and skills required for future success.
‘‘This landmark approval underscores the Governor’s commitment to easing the financial burden on students, expanding access to quality education, and investing in the future of Akwa Ibom’s young people,’’ Umanah stated,’’ the release stated.
‘‘The intervention is expected to benefit thousands of students across the state while further strengthening the administration’s efforts to remove barriers to education, improve learning outcomes, and promote equal opportunities for children irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
‘‘The Akwa Ibom State Government remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that place education at the centre of sustainable development and social transformation, while ensuring that no child is denied educational opportunities because of financial limitations,’’ it added.
