Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has approved the disbursement of ₦945,250,000 for the 2024/2025 scholarship programme targeting indigenes studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, with ₦800 million already released to beneficiaries.
The initiative, hailed as historic, also includes sponsorship for 100 indigenous students to pursue advanced studies in China, underscoring the state's commitment to human capital development amid economic challenges.
The announcement was made public on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, during a press briefing by Bello Ibrahim, National President of the National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS).
Ibrahim described the gesture as unprecedented in both scale and impact, noting that the funds will provide crucial financial relief to thousands of students facing rising tuition fees and living costs.
"This is an investment in human capital, the most precious asset of any society," he said, expressing profound gratitude to Governor Mohammed for prioritizing education in the state's budget.
The scholarship programme covers students in various tertiary institutions within Nigeria, with the ₦800 million tranche disbursed directly to eligible beneficiaries to cover academic fees, accommodation, and other essentials.
This follows a series of educational interventions by the Mohammed administration, including the clearance of backlogs in international scholarships and payments for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB registration fees totaling hundreds of millions in previous years.
Earlier in 2025, Bauchi had sponsored batches of 50 students each for studies in China, making it the first state in Nigeria's North-East region to pioneer such opportunities, setting a benchmark for regional peers.
In a significant expansion, the latest sponsorship sends 100 Bauchi indigenes to China for specialized programmes in fields like medicine, engineering, and technology.
The first batch has already departed, with officials from the Bauchi State Scholarship Board confirming that screenings and approvals were completed swiftly to ensure timely commencement.
Permanent Commissioner Hussaini Saraki, who oversees the board, commended the governor's vision, stating, "This administration has transformed education from a promise to a reality, paying off debts and opening global doors for our youth."
The move comes at a critical time for Bauchi, where economic hardships exacerbated by inflation and subsidy removals have strained families.
NUBASS highlighted additional achievements under the current leadership, including the renovation of their long-abandoned secretariat, free distribution of JAMB registration pins, statewide orientations for indigent students, and hosting the inaugural EDUTECH Conference in Bauchi to discuss digital education's future.
The union has also conducted campus tours, welfare interventions, and consistent advocacy to secure safer learning environments.Reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with students and stakeholders praising the initiative as a beacon of hope.
"Governor Mohammed's support has not only eased our financial burdens but also motivated us to excel," said Aisha Mohammed, a beneficiary studying engineering at a federal university.
The state government has assured continued collaboration with NUBASS and security agencies to protect student welfare.
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