Delta students deserve better educational support beyond ₦50m award – Iyovwaye

The Deacon Chris Iyovwaye Campaign Organisation of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State has called on the state government to review its student bursary scheme and increase financial support to address rising education costs.

The organisation made the call while congratulating Miss Ogheneovo Davina of Model Technical College, Oghareki, on her achievement and commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for awarding her a ₦50 million educational support fund.

In a statement dated October 13, 2026, and signed by its Director-General, Dr Alfred Mulade, the organisation said the award provided an opportunity to examine the broader system of educational assistance available to students across the state.

It noted that thousands of students faced increasing expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, transportation and other academic costs.

The organisation acknowledged the importance of the Students Special Assistance Scheme (SSAS) but expressed concern about the adequacy of individual bursary payments, citing reports that some beneficiaries received as little as ₦19,500.

It urged the government to clarify the current amount payable to each beneficiary, when it was last reviewed, and how the payments reflect prevailing economic conditions.

The campaign organisation also questioned the ₦800 non-refundable processing fee charged to students applying for financial assistance, urging the government to explain the rationale for the fee and consider waiving it.

According to the organisation, Delta State’s proposed 2026 budget earmarked ₦850 million for the SSAS, compared with the ₦750 million approved for the scheme in 2025.

The organisation called for a transparent review of the bursary programme, including consideration of increasing individual awards to ₦100,000, backed by a realistic funding and implementation plan.

It also urged the government to publish annual beneficiary figures, actual disbursements, individual award amounts and the history of adjustments to the scheme.

The statement stressed that recognising individual excellence and providing broad-based educational assistance were complementary responsibilities.

Source: THE NATION