Sanwo-Olu Increases Bursary, Scholarship For Lagos Indigenes In Tertiary Institutions

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, announced an increment in scholarship and bursary for indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions.

To this end, he said his administration from 2024 would pay N225,000 and N60,000 as scholarship and bursary to indigenes, as against the existing N200,000 and N50,000, respectively.

Sanwo-Olu, who noted that the scholarship would not be limited to Lagos indigenes alone, also announced scholarships for the less privileged and physically challenged students in public tertiary institutions.

The governor made the announcement at a one-day interactive session between him and students union leaders and stakeholders in the state, organised by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, with the theme: “Students as Strategic Partners in the Governance Process: Challenges and Prospects for Youth Development.”

The event had delegates from 13 public tertiary institutions in the state, including Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education and Yaba College of Technology, among others, held at Alausa.

“It is a confidence-building process between the government and the governed. It is an opportunity for students and other stakeholders to vent their feelings, opinions, and suggestions on how to overcome challenges confronting our collective existence as a people,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Earlier in his speech, the state’s Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said despite the current economic challenges, Lagos has continued to sustain the tempo of excellence in its tertiary institutions.

He said: “A stakeholder engagement like this becomes necessary in view of the noble role that our youths have to play in our development agenda. I, therefore commend Mr. Governor for giving accelerated approval to this programme, knowing fully that our youths hold the key to a greater tomorrow for our dear country.

“In spite of the present social economic challenges in the country, it is gratifying to note that the Lagos State government has continued to sustain the tempo of excellence in our tertiary institutions. Students and staff welfare have remained a top priority of the State government while various infrastructural development projects are either completed or ongoing across our campuses.

“This is leadership at play. In the last four and half years of this administration, it is remarkable to note that not any of our institutions have witnessed any student unrest nor staff industrial disharmony to warrant strike or closure of any of the State-owned institutions

“Our academic calendars have been running smoothly since the beginning of this administration. We have continued to enjoy unprecedented stability in our academic calendars in the last four years. To me, it is a reflection of leadership quality and administrative excellence at the helm of affairs.”