Saraki Congratulates Beneficiaries of Foundation’s Tertiary Scholarship Program * extends scheme to Kwara North Students
By Omowumi Omotosho
Former Nigeria Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has extended heartfelt congratulations to 71 students from four higher institutions in Kwara State who were awarded scholarships through the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation (ABSF) for the 2024/2025 academic year.
In a statement released by Yusuph Olaniyonu of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office on Thursday, Saraki expressed delight over the timely completion of the selection process by the foundation’s management. He also commended the direct disbursement of tuition fees to the respective institutions, ensuring a seamless implementation of the second phase of the scholarship initiative for the 2023/2024 academic session.
A total of 71 students were chosen as scholarship beneficiaries, comprising 14 from the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa; six from the Kwara State College of Education, Oro; 31 from the Kwara State School of Nursing Sciences, Oke Ode; and 20 from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.
“I am happy that the selection process was verifiable as the chairman, a senior university lecturer, explained to me at the weekend.
“The process of paying the school fees directly to the bank accounts of the institutions attended by beneficiaries would also help to achieve and promote accountability, transparency, and promptness in the execution of the scholarship scheme,” Saraki said.
Saraki commended the Education Committee of the ABS Foundation for enhancing the scholarship program following its inaugural edition held at Kamaldeen University, Ilorin, in 2023.
During the initial phase, 100 students from the newly established institution received four- and five-year scholarships, with a sum of N200 million promptly disbursed to the university.
In the statement the former Senate President expressed his satisfaction with the selection of new scholarship recipients from institutions in Kwara South.
The statement disclosed that the initiative aligns with Saraki’s earlier commitment to ensure equitable distribution of scholarships across all zones in Kwara State. Following the initial awards to students at Kamaldeen University in Ilorin, which primarily benefited individuals from Kwara Central, Saraki emphasized his dedication to including other regions in the program.
Having successfully implemented the scholarships in Kwara South, Saraki announced that he has instructed the ABS Foundation Education Committee to initiate the selection process for students in Kwara North. He further revealed plans to extend the program beyond Kwara State to institutions within the North Central Zone and two neighboring states.
“The involvement of the committee has made a positive difference. Before now, we have been giving scholarships based on people we know, those who approach us, or members of families of associates who died or are financially incapable. Sometimes we award scholarships to students who have done something that we consider brilliant and impressive. Now, the committee working under the ABSF has made the award of scholarships formal, consistent, wide-reaching, and more effective. I thank the members for this positive development.
“The scholarship Programme is our way of giving back to society, helping to cushion the harsh impact of the present state of the economy on our people as well as helping to create a
better citizenry for the country”, the statement quoted Saraki.
