The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the disbursement of ₦300 million in scholarships to 16,225 indigenous and indigent students across the FCT, reinforcing its commitment to educational development.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Wuse Zone 3, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chidi Amadi, described the initiative as a significant step forward but admitted that it was still “just scratching the surface” in addressing educational needs.
The Minister emphasized that education is the foundation of national development and assured that the FCTA would continue to prioritize scholarships to support students in need.
Expressing concern over the lack of adequate recognition for teachers, Wike urged them not to be discouraged by resource constraints but to remain dedicated to their profession.
In his address, Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, highlighted the FCT Minister’s commitment to improving education, revealing 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 of the FCT.
Dr. Hayyo also disclosed 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 by FCT schools are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and talent of our students, made possible by improved teaching and learning conditions provided by His Excellency, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,” he stated.
Additionally, the Minister has approved teacher training programs and vocational skills development initiatives for students, youths, women, and out-of-school children.
Director of the FCT Scholarship Board, Mrs. Hannah David, revealed that since the Board’s inception in 2020, it has supported the education of 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 basic, post-basic, special needs centers, the Nigerian Law School, and foreign tertiary institutions. Special needs students also receive wheelchairs and other essential materials.
While expressing gratitude to the FCT Minister and the 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 are 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 relevant authorities to expedite their resumption.
Acknowledging that the government alone cannot meet all educational needs, the FCT Scholarship Board called on stakeholders, including private individuals and organizations, to support the initiative and help expand access to quality education for vulnerable students.
The scholarship disbursement is expected to ease the financial burden on thousands of students, ensuring that more young people in the FCT have access to quality education and skill development opportunities.
