Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has kicked off the disbursement of ₦300 million scholarship that would benefit 16,225 indigenous and low-income students.
This announcement was made during the official launch of the scholarship programme for the 2023/2025 academic session at the FCT Scholarship Board in Abuja.
At the event, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike emphasised that, although the funding marks an increase compared to the previous year, it merely represents a small step forward.
He underscored the critical role that education plays in development and expressed gratitude for the programme’s ongoing success.
Wike reaffirmed FCTA’s commitment to enhance the scholarship initiative to better serve the educational needs of disadvantaged students.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, the minister lamented lack of adequate recognition for teachers and expressed hope that they would eventually receive fair treatment regarding their welfare.
He encouraged educators to remain resilient in the face of resource shortage and to make the most of the available resources.
In his remarks, Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr Danlami Hayyo lauded the minister for his dedication in improving education in the Federal Capital Territory.
He revealed that under Wike’s leadership, over ₦230 billion has been allocated to education, focusing on capital projects for rehabilitating and constructing schools and educational facilities across the six area councils.
Hayyo also announced that FCT schools will participate in prestigious global science events, including the World Robotic Festival and the Continental Open Africa AI Championship, scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas, and Cape Town, South Africa, respectively.
“These accomplishments reflect the dedication, hard work and talent of our students, made possible by the enhanced teaching and learning environments fostered by Wike,” he said.
Furthermore, the minister has approved the training and retraining of FCT teachers and vocational skills programmes for students, youths, women and out-of-school children.
Hayyo extended his gratitude to the minister for his unwavering support for the Secretariat and the scholarship programme.
Director of the Scholarship Board, Mrs Hannah David, in her address, said since the Board’s establishment in 2020, it has aided the education of 146,000 indigent students, many of whom she said were thriving in various fields today.
She explained that the scholarship programme serves students at all educational levels, including those with special needs, who receive crucial support like wheelchairs and other necessary materials.
David expressed appreciation to the FCT minister and the education secretary for their support, and called on other stakeholders to assist the Board, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts, as government cannot solely shoulder the responsibility.
