The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has earmarked the sum of N300 million for scholarships in the 2024/2025 session to boost education access for the poor in FCT.
To this end, the distribution of application forms begins today and will last for only a few days, the Board said.
The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting where modalities and criteria as well as qualification for the scholarship were discussed.
The Director, FCT Scholarship Board, Mrs. Hanna David, explained that the initiative aimed at empowering the FCT natives, indigent pupils and students of the territory to pursue their academic goals.
She stated that the scholarship programme was specifically designed to provide support and assistance to those who cannot afford education with ease. “I would like to emphasise that our scholarship programme is designed to provide support and assistance to indigenes and indigent pupils and students, enabling them to access quality education and unlock their full potential. We believe that education is a key driver of personal growth, economic development, and social mobility,” she stated.
Mrs. David announced that the issuance of forms would last for only five days, from today, (September 29) to October 3, 2025, warning that forms should not be collected by proxy, particularly for fresh applicants.
In order not to have difficulties in accessing the fund, she advised beneficiaries to use their personal bank account details to easily access the fund when they are awarded the scholarship.
The Director appealed to good spirited individuals and corporate organisations to complement the efforts of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in transforming the education sector by contributing in any way they can.
She praised the FCT Minister for transforming the FCT and upgrading schools in the FCT.
She said: “The Minister is already doing wonderfully well in the infrastructural transformation, administrative repositioning, prudent financial management, and educational development, with the massive renovation and upgrading of our schools.
“Through the FCT Scholarship Board, His Excellency is ensuring that those who would ordinarily not be able to afford education can be supported to achieve their dreams of acquiring education.”
Student representatives at the stakeholders meeting expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for the financial assistance but called for an upward review of the scholarship figures, citing the country’s economic challenges.
The students argued that the prevailing hardship has made it imperative to raise the award amounts to reflect current realities.
Traditional rulers present at the meeting also commended the scheme but pressed for more slots and application forms, noting that demand for the programme had far outstripped availability in recent years.
