RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has pledged to increase the annual bursary for students in public tertiary institutions from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, with students studying Medicine, Law and Engineering expected to receive ₦250,000.
The governor announced the proposed increase on Wednesday during a fireside chat at the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference, held at Ibom Hall in Uyo.
Eno explained that the proposed bursary adjustments would take effect if he wins the February 2027 governorship election and is sworn in for a second term.
According to him, the increase is intended to ease the financial burden on students and help them meet tuition fees and other educational expenses.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary school levels.
The proposed increase follows an earlier adjustment in July 2026, when the state government raised the annual bursary from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 and approved ₦1.3 billion for payments to eligible students.
Speaking on youth empowerment, Eno urged beneficiaries of the ₦50 million Ibom Ignite business grant to invest the funds responsibly and establish sustainable businesses.
He cautioned against spending the grants on personal luxuries, stressing that the financial support was intended to serve as start-up capital for productive ventures.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s social welfare initiatives, stating that more than 500 Compassionate Homes had been constructed for vulnerable residents across the state’s 31 local government areas.
He said beneficiaries of the housing programme received ₦500,000 each to support small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Eno further pledged to construct an additional 1,000 Compassionate Homes and provide accompanying business grants if re-elected.
He also identified the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre and newly established youth development centres as important components of the state’s youth empowerment programmes.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Strategy House Limited, Dr Maxwell Ubah, encouraged participants to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and embrace opportunities for economic advancement.
Speaking on the theme, “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Future,” Ubah emphasised the importance of innovation, leadership and problem-solving in achieving personal and economic development.
The proposed bursary increase remains a campaign commitment and has not been implemented. Its introduction would depend on the governor securing another term and the state government making the necessary approvals and funding arrangements.
