In a bold move to support the academic pursuits of Lagos State indigenes, Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved the payment of N375,455,000.00 for both Fresh and Subsequent Scholarship and Bursary Awards. This fund is designated to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Lagosians pursuing higher education in the country.

Abdur-Rahman Lekki, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board disclosed this at a recent meeting held with key stakeholders in the sector, adding that the approval is in line with Mr. Governor's unwavering commitment to advancing education within Lagos State.

He pointed out that the present administration's focus is to make education accessible, affordable, and sustainable, which is evident through the timely disbursement of the funds.

The Executive Secretary also emphasised the government's profound concern for the youth and their educational journey, and its pledge to provide accessible and affordable education, irrespective of the country's economic challenges.

Breaking down the allocation, Abdur-Rahman Lekki detailed that N164,500,000.00 has been earmarked for the 2021/2022 Fresh Scholarship Award for Undergraduate, Masters & PhD (Batch B), 2021/2022 Subsequent Scholarship Award for Undergraduate & PhD, and 2022/2023 Subsequent Scholarship Award for Undergraduate & PhD recipients as well as the 2022/2023 Governor’s Discretionary Awards.

"Furthermore, an allocation of N210,955,000.00 has been approved for the 2021/2022 Fresh Bursary Award for Undergraduates and Law School (Batch B), 2021/2022 Subsequent Bursary Award for Undergraduates, and 2022/2023 Subsequent Bursary Award for Undergraduates", he added.

Lekki reassured beneficiaries awaiting disbursement that the release of funds will commence promptly as soon as the necessary administrative processes are concluded.

In addition, he informed the general public that applications for the Year 2022/2023 Fresh Scholarship and Bursary Awards have been completed, with Academic and Indigeneship Verification Processes set to commence. Students are encouraged to regularly check their emails for updates.

Similarly, the Executive Secretary revealed that, as part of Governor Sanwo-Olu's T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, the Lagos State Scholarship Board is set to introduce Special Categories of Scholarships, focusing on the Poor and Vulnerable, as well as People Living With Disabilities. This aligns with the intensified emphasis on Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Youth in the coming four years.

Lekki noted that the Lagos State Government has a long history of subsidising education within the state by utilising bursaries and scholarships to assist both indigenes and residents in achieving their educational aspirations. This tradition dates back to 1968 when the Board was first established.

He maintained that the Lagos State Scholarship Board remains steadfast in its commitment to administering bursary and scholarship awards effectively by striving to make higher education accessible to all.