FCTA Disburses ₦300m Scholarship To 16,225 Indigent Students

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the disbursement of a ₦300 million scholarship fund to 16,225 indigenous indigent students across the FCT, reinforcing its commitment to quality education and social support.

The official flag-off ceremony for the 2023/2025 award ceremony took place at the FCT Scholarship Board where the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, emphasized the administration’s resolve to expand educational opportunities for the underprivileged.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chidi Amadi, Wike reaffirmed FCTA’s dedication to sustaining and enhancing the scholarship scheme, describing education as the bedrock of development.

The Secretary, FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, commended the Minister’s unwavering commitment to education, revealing that under Wike’s leadership, the FCTA injected over ₦230 billion into the sector.

According to Dr Hayyo, these funds have facilitated the rehabilitation and construction of schools and other educational facilities across all six area councils of the FCT.

Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Hayyo announced that FCT schools gained global recognition, with government-backed participation in prestigious events like the World Robotic Festival and the Continental Open Africa AI Championship, held in Houston, Texas, and Cape Town, South Africa.

“These achievements are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and talent of our students, made possible by the improved teaching and learning conditions under His Excellency, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,” Hayyo said.

Additionally, the Minister has approved comprehensive training and retraining programs for teachers across all levels, as well as vocational skills training for students, youths, women, and out-of-school children in the FCT.

Director of the FCT Scholarship Board, Mrs. Hannah David, revealed that since its establishment in 2020, the Board has provided financial support to over 146,000 FCT indigenes and indigent students, many of whom are now excelling in various fields.

The scholarship covers students across all educational levels, including those in basic and post-basic institutions, special needs centers, the Nigerian Law School, and even foreign tertiary institutions.

Special needs students also receive essential materials such as wheelchairs.

While expressing gratitude to the FCT Minister and the Education Secretary for their continued support, Mrs. David raised concerns about funding, stressing the urgent need for increment in the scholarship grant to meet rising economic challenges.

She also decried the delay in the resumption of FCT students meant to be at the FarmCraft Centre, Lagos, while awaiting directives from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

This scholarship disbursement stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of underprivileged students, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of academic excellence.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji