The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun disbursing ₦300 million in scholarships to 16,225 indigenous and indigent students across the FCT, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing educational access and development.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Wuse Zone 3, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, described the initiative as a crucial step forward. However, he acknowledged that it only scratches the surface in addressing the broader educational challenges in the region.
Wike emphasized the importance of education in national development and assured that the FCTA would continue prioritizing scholarships to support students in need. He also expressed concerns over the lack of adequate recognition for teachers, urging them to remain dedicated despite financial constraints.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, highlighted the FCT Minister’s efforts to improve education, noting that over ₦230 billion has been invested in capital projects such as school rehabilitation and the construction of new educational facilities across the six area councils.
Dr. Hayyo further announced that Wike had approved the participation of FCT schools in international science competitions, including the World Robotics Festival and the Continental Open Africa AI Championship in Houston, Texas, and Cape Town, South Africa.
“These achievements reflect the dedication, hard work, and talent of our students, made possible by improved teaching and learning conditions facilitated by His Excellency, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,” he stated. He added that teacher training programs and vocational skills development initiatives for students, youths, women, and out-of-school children had also been approved.
The Director of the FCT Scholarship Board, Mrs. Hannah David, revealed that since its inception in 2020, the Board has supported the education of 146,000 FCT indigenes and indigent students, many of whom have gone on to excel in various fields.
The scholarships cover all educational levels, including basic, post-basic, special needs centers, the Nigerian Law School, and foreign tertiary institutions. Additionally, students with special needs receive essential materials such as wheelchairs.
While expressing gratitude to the FCT Minister and Education Secretary for their support, Mrs. David appealed for increased funding for scholarships, citing rising economic challenges.
She also raised concerns over FCT students who were supposed to be at the FarmCraft Centre in Lagos but remain at home due to delays from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. She urged authorities to expedite their resumption.
Acknowledging that the government alone cannot meet all educational needs, the FCT Scholarship Board called on private individuals and organizations to support the initiative, ensuring more vulnerable students have access to quality education and skill development opportunities.
The scholarship disbursement is expected to ease the financial burden on thousands of students, promoting greater educational inclusivity in the FCT.
