By Bala Ajiya, Damaturu
In what can be described as a landmark initiative to enhance educational opportunities in the Northeast, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has disclosed its readiness for bursaries for all indigenes of the six northeastern states enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeriia.
This commitment was revealed during a meeting of scholarship heads from the six states held in Bauchi, which also saw participation from the Federal Scholarships Board and other partners.
Dr. Abubakar Bukar Kagu, Chairman of the forum, praised the NEDC’s alignment with the region’s recovery efforts and its dedication to supporting education. He also commended the Bauchi state government for hosting the event and extended gratitude to the governors of the northeastern states for their resilience and commitment to the region’s recovery.
“The NEDC’s commitment to education is a crucial step towards the stabilization and development of the Northeast,” Dr. Kagu stated. “This initiative not only alleviates the financial burden on students and their families but also significantly contributes to the efforts of state governments and the overall development and recovery of our region.”
The Bauchi meeting was a follow-up to the 29th Annual Coordination Meeting of Secretaries of Federal and State Scholarships, held in Kano in July 2024. Stakeholders evaluated progress, exchanged perspectives, and devised strategies for the successful implementation of scholarship programs.
Barr. Lawan Khalifa, representing the NEDC, disclosed that the student bursary program is a key component of the commission’s comprehensive stabilization strategy for rebuilding the Northeast. The Federal Scholarships Board and other partners reaffirmed their dedication to supporting educational initiatives in the region and the country. The heads of scholarships from the six states assured the NEDC and other partners of their readiness to provide technical support, invaluable recommendations, and relevant advice for the success of the bursary program and other educational initiatives of the NEDC.
Barr. Hussaini Saraki, Permanent Commissioner of Scholarships in Bauchi, highlighted that the meeting underscored the shared commitment of the NEDC, state governments, and other partners to invest in the region’s human capital and lay a foundation for sustainable growth.
