Edo students still awaits N1 Billion bursary almost one year after Okpebholo’s approval
Education
Benin, Edo – Despite Governor Monday Okpebholo’s high-profile approval of a ₦1 billion annual bursary scheme for Edo State indigenes in tertiary institutions in July 2025, no student has publicly confirmed receiving any payment, and the state government has issued no official update confirming disbursement nearly 10 months later.
The scheme was announced with fanfare in early July 2025 as a major youth empowerment initiative.
Governor Okpebholo approved the ₦1 billion fund to support students of Edo origin studying in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other accredited tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Officials described it as an annual programme designed to ease the financial burden on students and their families, with eligibility to be verified through local government areas of origin to ensure only genuine indigenes benefit.
At the time, the announcement was welcomed by student groups and youth organisations. The National Association of Edo State Students (NAESS) and others lauded the move as a fulfilment of campaign promises and a step toward revitalising education support in the state, which had not run a similar statewide bursary in nearly two decades.
However, as the 2025/2026 academic session nears its end, frustration is mounting as parents and students have renewed public calls for the government to match words with action.
Critics point out that the much-publicised bursary has yet to produce a clear application portal, verification process, or any confirmed payments.
A search of recent statements from the Edo State Government and independent reports shows no official announcement of funds released or lists of beneficiaries published.
While the governor’s administration has highlighted education reforms including partnerships with NELFUND and institution-specific scholarships at Edo State University, Uzairue which offers partial tuition waivers to a limited number of indigent students, these appear separate from the statewide ₦1 billion bursary scheme.
Some pro-government voices on social media have claimed bursary payments were “restored after 20 years,” but these posts lack supporting evidence such as student testimonials, bank alerts, or official payment schedules. No widespread confirmation from Edo students across institutions has emerged.
The silence has sparked growing concern among Edo indigenes in schools nationwide, with many students, already grappling with rising tuition fees, hostel costs, and living expenses, say the delay is compounding financial hardship.
One parent who spoke anonymously told DAILY South Nigeria that repeated assurances from the government have so far yielded no tangible results.
Government sources contacted for this report declined to comment on the status of the bursary or provide a timeline for disbursement.
The Office of the Governor has not issued any clarification on when or if the funds have been released.
Education stakeholders say the situation raises questions about transparency and accountability in the implementation of flagship programmes.
“Approving money is one thing; getting it to the intended beneficiaries is another,” a student union leader noted privately.
As Edo students prepare for examinations and the next academic year, many are left wondering whether the ₦1 billion bursary will remain a promise on paper or finally translate into the relief it was intended to provide.
The state government is yet to respond to calls for an urgent update on the scheme’s progress.
