The Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board (KADSSLB) has commenced the disbursement of scholarship funds to beneficiaries, releasing N40 million to more than 1,500 students of Kaduna State University (KASU) as a special intervention under the scholarship scheme of Governor Uba Sani.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Prof. Yahya Saleh Ibrahim, said the amount was increased from the initially planned N30 million due to the high number of students who met the eligibility requirements. He explained that the payment marks the official kickoff of the 2025/2026 scholarship cycle, while registration and screening for a second and wider batch of beneficiaries are already ongoing across the state.
According to Prof. Ibrahim, the Board has also expanded the scope of the programme to cover students of Kaduna Polytechnic. He noted that the decision aligns with the state government’s goal of widening access to educational support and ensuring that more students in public tertiary institutions benefit from the scheme.
He further announced the introduction of a Student Entrepreneurship Loan Scheme designed to promote youth empowerment and self-reliance. Under the initiative, graduates who have completed approved vocational and entrepreneurial training will be eligible to access start-up capital of up to N1.5 million. Prof. Ibrahim added that beneficiaries will enjoy a two-year grace period after establishing their businesses before repayment begins.
The intervention has attracted positive reactions from the academic community. Speaking on behalf of KASU management, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Yushau Ango Ibrahim, expressed appreciation for the sustained partnership between the university and the Board, saying the institution has consistently benefited from the Board’s support.
Officials also commended the inclusive design of the scholarship system, which extends assistance beyond tertiary institutions to include primary school teachers, a move described as critical to strengthening education at the grassroots.
The Special Adviser to the Executive Secretary on Scholarship Matters, Dr. Haulat Madu Umar, reiterated the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and continuous expansion of the programme.
Some beneficiary students described the scholarship as timely and life-changing, stating that it has reduced financial pressure on their families and encouraged them to focus more on their studies and academic excellence.
