The Kogi State Government has announced the release of N1.5 billion for the 2026 bursary allowances of students of Kogi origin studying in tertiary institutions across the country.

The State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, made this known yesterday in Lokoja while unveiling the online registration portal for the scheme. He explained that the initiative, backed by Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare of undergraduates from the state.

“We are here to unveil the registration portal to mark the commencement of the 2025/26 bursary disbursement processes for Kogi State students. I call on all eligible undergraduates to take advantage of this opportunity to register, create an account, and benefit from the benevolence of His Excellency,” Jones said.

The Commissioner recalled that in the 2024/25 academic year, the state also provided N1.5 billion as bursary allowances. He noted that although over 400,000 students applied through the online system during the pilot phase, only 8,170 were successfully paid due to technical and verification challenges. He assured students that the process has been improved to ensure wider access in the new cycle.

While handing over sensitisation materials to leaders of the Kogi State Students Association, Jones tasked them to spread the message across campuses, stressing that only students who complete the online registration would be eligible to receive payment.

The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Scholarship Board, Mr. Afolabi Joseph, demonstrated the simplified online process, noting that students can now register using their mobile phones from anywhere in the country.

In his response, the President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Comrade Sunday Adeola, pledged full cooperation, promising to embark on a vigorous sensitisation campaign in tertiary institutions nationwide. He commended Governor Ododo for his “unwavering commitment” to student welfare and assured the government of the association’s support in mobilising students for the scheme.