Bauchi disburses N1.6 bn scholarships to 22,423 students

Bauchi State Scholarship Board has disbursed the sum of N1, 627, 675, 820 scholarships to 22,423 students studying within Bauchi and other higher institutions across the country. The board also released the sum of $204,881 to115 students studying in foreign institutions in different countries from Bauchi State. Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Scholarship Board, Dr […]

Bauchi State Scholarship Board has disbursed the sum of N1, 627, 675, 820 scholarships to 22,423 students studying within Bauchi and other higher institutions across the country.

The board also released the sum of $204,881 to115 students studying in foreign institutions in different countries from Bauchi State.

Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Scholarship Board, Dr Mahmoud A Garba, who disclosed this during a press conference Wednesday in Bauchi said that to ensure judicious disbursement and accountability, the board set-up a Committee headed by the Accountant General of the State to handle the payment.

“So far the Committee successfully disbursed the sum of N850,000, 000.00 to 21,901 students through the consultant handling the payment,” Garba said.

Garba explained, “You may wish to note the the board is currently receiving complaints from students who were not able to be paid due to some errors in the data they earlier submitted. These are mainly due to wrong Bank Verification Number (BVN), account number, cell phone number and quoting wrong academic year.”

“Yet there are others who were rejected by the committee as they were found to be civil servants. The complaints received are being subjected to security and if verified will be forwarded to the committee for payment,” he said

The Chairman further disclosed that Governor Bala Mohammed has reviewed upwards the 2023/2024 scholarship to 100 percent for all categories of students in view of the prevailing economic realities including Degree programme from N22,000 to N44,000. NCE/Diploma from N18,000 to N36,000 and Certificate from N12,000 to N24,000.

Garba lamented that the currently battling with inadequate and poorly office accomodations and lack of basic work infrastructures as well absence of ICT equipment to enable the board run it’s portal and shortage of manpower especially junior cadre as well as lack mobility.

The Chairman therefore pleaded to the state government to complete automation of Bauchi State Scholarship Board to improve accountability, proper documentation payment efficiency, seamless communication interface with foreign and local scholarship donor agencies, universities and others to find admission slots for indigenes.

Garba also appeal to students, parents and members of the public to contact the board with any genuine complaints as well as for clarification on issues related to scholarships in the state.