The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has approved the disbursement of ₦945,250,000 for the 2024/2025 scholarship programme for indigenes of the state, with ₦800 million already released to beneficiaries across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The announcement was made by the National President of the National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS), Bello Ibrahim, during a press briefing on Tuesday. He described the development as historic both in scale and impact, stressing that the disbursement had restored hope among students.
According to Ibrahim, a total of 21,901 applications were received, while 19,546 verified beneficiaries have so far been paid a total of ₦801,263,200 across 154 tertiary institutions nationwide. He added that the outstanding balance of ₦145,250,000 would soon be cleared.
“For too long, scholarship payment had become a matter of doubt, delay, and disappointment. Many students struggled with tuition, examinations, and basic sustenance due to irregularities in disbursement. But today, under the compassionate leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, it has become a source of renewed trust, confidence, and reassurance,” he stated.
The NUBASS president also disclosed that Governor Mohammed recently sponsored 100 indigenous students to pursue advanced studies in China, with the first batch already on their journey.
“This visionary investment in international education reflects his determination to ensure that Bauchi youths compete not only nationally but globally in science, technology, and innovation,” he added.
On the issue of campus security, Ibrahim explained that the union had engaged the Bauchi State Police Command following rising insecurity around schools. He confirmed that the Commissioner of Police approved the establishment of a police station at Wuntin Dada to protect Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic and its surroundings. Increased patrols and surveillance have also been assured around campuses.
Highlighting other achievements of the union, Ibrahim noted the renovation of the NUBASS Secretariat after over a decade of abandonment, distribution of free JAMB registration pins, state-wide orientation for indigent students, and the successful hosting of the first-ever EDUTECH Conference in Bauchi. The conference brought together policymakers, scholars, and students to explore the future of digital education.
He further mentioned the union’s consistent advocacy and interventions, ranging from scholarship follow-ups to campus tours and welfare initiatives.
Expressing gratitude, Ibrahim said the scholarship was “an investment in human capital, the most precious asset of any society,” and assured that NUBASS would continue to work with government and stakeholders to secure safer learning environments.