The Kaduna State Government has invested more than N1 billion in scholarships, student loans and other educational support initiatives over the past three years, as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen human capital development.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Kaduna.
Maiyaki said education remains a central pillar of Governor Uba Sani’s development agenda, noting that the administration has implemented several interventions aimed at reducing financial barriers to learning.
One of the key initiatives, according to him, was the signing of an Executive Order that slashed tuition fees by 50 per cent in all state-owned tertiary institutions, making higher education more affordable for students across Kaduna State.
He revealed that the government has spent N493.27 million on overseas scholarships for 42 students pursuing studies in critical fields, including medicine, engineering, computer science and cybersecurity.
In addition, the state has disbursed N425.52 million in local scholarships to indigent students enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Maiyaki further disclosed that N105 million has been committed to the state’s student loan programme, while N27.25 million was provided to assist law graduates with registration fees for the Nigerian Law School.
According to him, the combined impact of the tuition reduction policy, scholarship awards and student loan scheme demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that financial challenges do not prevent qualified students from accessing higher education.
He added that the investments are designed to build a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development in the state.
Providing further insight into the programme, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, Prof. Yahaya Saleh Ibrahim, said more than 21,106 students studying in over 40 higher institutions have benefited from the scheme.
The beneficiaries, he said, are drawn from universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, colleges of education, colleges of health technology and nursing schools across the country.
“The Kaduna State Scholarship Scheme under Governor Uba Sani has witnessed remarkable growth over the last three years. Kaduna became the first state in Nigeria to provide both scholarships and student loans on a broad scale, expanding educational opportunities for thousands of young people,” Ibrahim said.
He noted that the flexible repayment structure of the loan scheme allows beneficiaries to repay based on their financial circumstances after graduation, easing concerns about educational financing.
Ibrahim described Kaduna as a national model in educational support, adding that the state’s approach has widened access to higher education while reducing the financial burden on families.
One of the beneficiaries, Al’Ameen Abdul Waheed, a Geography student at Kaduna State University, commended the government for the intervention.
“My parents and I no longer have to worry about tuition fees because of the Kaduna State Scholarship Scheme. It has removed a huge burden from my family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my education,” he said.
The state government maintains that its investments in education are aimed at empowering young people, improving access to learning and preparing future leaders and professionals for national development.
- Kaduna spends N1bn on student scholarships - June 4, 2026
- Man arrested for killing father in Ondo - June 4, 2026
- Forgery allegation sparks chaos in Reps over minority leader race - June 4, 2026
