Kaduna Disburses N1bn Scholarships, Cuts Tuition by 50%

The Kaduna State Government has disclosed that Governor Uba Sani's administration has invested over N1 billion in scholarships, student loans and educational support programmes within the last three years, significantly expanding access to higher education and easing the financial burden on thousands of students across the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this while interacting with journalists in Kaduna, describing education as a critical pillar of Governor Uba Sani's human capital development agenda.

Maiyaki said one of the administration's most impactful interventions was the signing of an Executive Order reducing tuition fees by 50 per cent across all Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions, a move aimed at making higher education more affordable and accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

According to him, the state government has spent N493.27 million on overseas scholarships for 42 students pursuing studies in critical fields such as medicine, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering and other strategic disciplines considered vital to the state's future development.

He further disclosed that N425.52 million has been disbursed as local scholarships to indigent students studying in tertiary institutions across the country.

In addition, the commissioner revealed that the administration has committed N105 million to its student loan scheme, while N27.25 million was released to support law graduates with registration fees for the Nigerian Law School.

He noted that the combined impact of the tuition fee reduction, scholarship awards and student loan programmes reflects Governor Uba Sani's commitment to removing financial barriers to education, strengthening human capital development and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders and professionals in Kaduna State.

"The administration's investments in education are aimed at building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development, while ensuring that no deserving student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints," Maiyaki said.

Providing further details on the programme, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, Professor Yahaya Saleh Ibrahim, disclosed that more than 21,106 students have benefited from the state's scholarship and loan initiatives.

According to him, the beneficiaries are spread across more than 40 higher institutions, including federal and state universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education, colleges of health technology and nursing schools.

He described the programme as one of the most comprehensive educational support schemes in the country.

"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," Ibrahim said.

He added that Kaduna State has emerged as a national model in educational support by becoming the first state in Nigeria to operate both scholarship and student loan schemes on a broad scale.

"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.

The impact of the programme, according to the government, is already being felt by beneficiaries across the state.

One of the beneficiaries, Al'Ameen Abdul Waheed, a student of the Department of Geography at Kaduna State University (KASU), expressed appreciation to the state government for the support, describing the scholarship scheme as a lifeline for many 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 maintained that the scholarship awards, student loan programme and tuition fee reduction policy are part of broader efforts to improve access to quality education, promote social inclusion and equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the state's economic growth and development.

The government further stated that the sustained investment in education underscores Governor Uba Sani's commitment to empowering the youth, reducing inequality and positioning Kaduna as a leading centre for learning, innovation and human capital development in Nigeria.