FCTA Allocates ₦300m in Scholarships to 16,225 Indigent Students
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the disbursement of ₦300 million in scholarships to 16,225 indigenous and indigent students enrolled in public schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The scholarship, designated for the 2023/2024 academic session, aims to support underprivileged students in accessing quality education.
Speaking at the disbursement ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the amount as merely “scratching the surface,” given the overwhelming number of indigent students in the FCT’s public schools.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Chide Amadi, the minister reaffirmed that education remains the foundation of sustainable development. He assured that the FCTA would sustain and expand the scholarship scheme to ensure continued educational support for those in need.
Additionally, Wike pledged to prioritize teachers’ welfare, including their professional development and capacity building.
In a significant move to enhance learning opportunities, FCTA Education Secretary, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced that Minister Wike had approved the participation of FCT public school students in global science competitions. These include: The World Robotic Festival in Houston, Texas, USA; The Continental Open Africa AI Championship in Cape Town, South Africa.
“These achievements are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and talent of our students, made possible by improved teaching and learning conditions in FCT public schools,” Hayyo stated.
He further highlighted that Wike had also approved training and retraining programs for teachers at all levels, as well as vocational skills training for students, youths, women, and out-of-school children in the FCT.
The Wike-led FCTA has so far invested over ₦230 billion in the renovation, construction, and provision of modern education facilities across the territory.
The Director of the FCT Scholarship Board, Mrs. Hannah David, disclosed that since the board’s inception in 2020, it has awarded scholarships to 146,000 indigenous and indigent students.
According to her, the scholarship scheme covers basic education, post-basic education, special needs centers, the Nigerian Law School, and foreign tertiary institutions.
She further emphasized that the scheme is inclusive, extending support to students with special needs by providing wheelchairs and other essential learning materials.
Commending Minister Wike for his unwavering support, David urged other stakeholders to assist in sustaining the initiative, noting that government alone cannot bear the full responsibility of funding education.
