Kaduna State Government says it has invested more than N1 billion in scholarships, student loans and education support programmes under the administration of Governor Uba Sani, as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and reduce the financial pressure facing students across the state.
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The government disclosed that the investments were made within the last three years through different interventions targeted at students in tertiary institutions within and outside Kaduna State.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, revealed this while speaking with journalists in Kaduna. He described education as one of the major pillars of Governor Uba Sani’s human capital development agenda.
According to him, one of the administration’s biggest education reforms was the Executive Order signed by Governor Uba Sani to reduce tuition fees by 50 per cent across all Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions.
Maiyaki said the decision was introduced to make higher education more affordable for students from low-income and middle-income families struggling with rising education costs.
“The tuition fee reduction policy was designed to remove barriers preventing many young people from accessing higher education,” he said.
The Commissioner disclosed that Kaduna State spent N493.27 million on overseas scholarships for 42 students studying strategic courses including medicine, engineering, cybersecurity and computer science.
He explained that the government focused on courses considered critical to the future workforce and economic growth of the state.
Maiyaki further revealed that N425.52 million was also disbursed as local scholarships to indigent students studying in different tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
In addition to the scholarship programme, the state government committed N105 million to student loans aimed at supporting students who require financial assistance to complete their studies.
The administration also released N27.25 million to support law graduates with registration fees for the Nigerian Law School.
According to the Commissioner, the combination of tuition fee reductions, scholarships and student loans reflects the government’s broader plan to strengthen human capital development in Kaduna State.
He said the administration is focused on ensuring that qualified students are not denied education opportunities because of financial difficulties.
“These interventions are about building the next generation of professionals, innovators and leaders that will contribute to the growth and development of Kaduna State,” Maiyaki stated.
He added that investing in education remains one of the most effective ways to build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, economic expansion and long-term development.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, Professor Yahaya Saleh Ibrahim, also provided details on the impact of the programme.
According to him, more than 21,106 students have benefited from the Kaduna State scholarship scheme across over 40 higher institutions.
The beneficiaries include students in federal and state universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education, colleges of health technology and nursing schools.
Prof. Ibrahim said the scholarship and loan initiative has experienced major expansion within the last three years.
“The Kaduna State Scholarship Scheme under Governor Uba Sani has witnessed unprecedented growth and transformation over the last three years. Kaduna became the first state in Nigeria to provide not only scholarships but also student loans, expanding access to higher education for thousands of young people,” he said.
He noted that Kaduna State has now emerged as a national model in educational support through the operation of both scholarship and student loan schemes on a large scale.
Prof. Ibrahim also highlighted the flexible repayment structure attached to the student loan programme.
“What makes the initiative even more remarkable is its flexible repayment structure, which allows beneficiaries to choose repayment plans that suit their circumstances, ensuring they can pursue their education without the fear of overwhelming financial burdens,” he stated.
Students benefiting from the programme have also continued to express appreciation to the Kaduna State Government over the support.
A student of the Department of Geography at Kaduna State University (KASU), Al’Ameen Abdul Waheed, described the scholarship programme as a major relief for students and their families.
“My parents and I no longer have to worry about paying my tuition fees because I know the Kaduna State Scholarship Scheme will support my education. This has lifted a huge burden from my family, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
The Kaduna State Government says the continued investment in scholarships, student loans and tuition support programmes is part of its long-term strategy to improve access to education, reduce poverty and prepare young people for future economic opportunities.
