RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
Akwa Ibom Sta Governor, Umo Eno, has announced plans to increase annual bursary payments for students in public tertiary institutions from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, with those studying Medicine, Law and Engineering expected to receive ₦250,000 each.
The governor also pledged to construct an additional 1,000 Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents if re-elected for a second term in the 2027 governorship election.
Eno outlined the proposals during the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference at Ibom Hall, Uyo, where he addressed young entrepreneurs, students and other participants.
According to the governor, the proposed bursary increase is intended to reduce the financial burden on students and support access to higher education.
He indicated that the enhanced payments would form part of his administration’s plans for a second term, subject to his re-election.
The governor also reviewed the Compassionate Homes initiative, which provides housing support to vulnerable households across the state’s 31 local government areas.
He said his administration had constructed more than 500 homes under the programme, with beneficiaries also receiving ₦500,000 business grants to support income-generating activities.
Eno pledged to expand the initiative by constructing another 1,000 homes across communities in the state if returned to office.
He maintained that combining housing assistance with economic empowerment would help beneficiaries improve their living conditions and establish sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing beneficiaries of the ₦50 million Ibom Ignite business pitch grant, the governor emphasised responsible financial management.
He encouraged recipients to invest their grants in viable enterprises rather than diverting the funds to personal consumption.
Eno also highlighted his administration’s broader youth empowerment programmes, including entrepreneurship training, skills acquisition and business start-up support.
At the conference, participants were encouraged to embrace innovation, develop practical skills and identify business opportunities capable of addressing economic and social challenges.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to expanding educational opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening social welfare programmes.
However, the proposed bursary increases and additional housing units remain future commitments rather than completed interventions.
Their implementation will depend on subsequent government decisions, funding arrangements and, in the case of the second-term pledges, the outcome of the February 6, 2027 governorship election.
