Lagos spends N849m on scholarship, bursary for 8,475 beneficiaries in 2023, says commissioner
Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, on Tuesday said that about N849.5m was spent by the state on scholarship and bursary awards in 2023.
The Commissioner gave the revelation at the ongoing annual ministerial press briefing to mark the first year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,
According to him, “N335,600,000 was approved for 1,591 beneficiaries for the 2022/2023 Scholarship Award for undergraduates & PhD recipients as well as the 2022/2023 Governor’s Discretionary Awards’
“N513,955,000 bursary award was disbursed for 6,884 undergraduates and law school students. A total of N849,555,000.00 have so far been released in 2023 for 8,475 scholarship and bursary beneficiaries,” he noted.
Other beneficiaries of the scholarship and bursary award included Persons With Disabilities, PWD.
The Commissioner further said that the payments were in alignment with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the governor, which prioritizes inclusive development in the education sector.
“This initiative is designed to support people living with disabilities and the multi dimensionally poor, empowering them to pursue their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the society. It is crucial to note that the Special Scholarship for Inclusion extends beyond Lagos State indigenes. It encompasses all residents enrolled in Lagos State-owned tertiary Institutions, irrespective of their state of origin,” he said.
The commissioner noted that provisions have been made for all PWDs to assist them in their education and reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities or socio-economic background, has access to quality education.
Sule also said that the Lagos State University of Health and Medical Sciences will kick off this year with the first set of students to be admitted for the 2024/25 academic session.
He added that the state government is working round the clock to admit students for the 2024/25 session, as the three components needed for takeoff had been met.
He maintained that the state government is committed to the project and the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given all the support for its takeoff.
The Commissioner provided details of activities of all the agencies and departments under the ministry, especially how they help to drive THEMES agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
He also mentioned all the development in the newly established two universities as well as Lagos State University (LASU), including efforts to improve its rating as an institution.
