Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The announcement by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, of a N2 billion scholarship scheme for indigent students has expectedly generated widespread excitement among students, parents and other stakeholders across the state.
Given the tremendous public interest in the initiative, it is important to clarify that the proposed N2 billion will not be a one-time intervention but an annual investment in the education of Benue students, beginning with a N2 billion seed fund.
According to Dr. Terver Akase, a Media Consultant to the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Aondoakaa’s vision is to establish a sustainable educational support programme that will continue to expand throughout his administration, ensuring that no qualified Benue student is denied access to higher education because of financial constraints.
The former Attorney General of the Federation has consistently maintained that education remains one of the most effective tools for human capital development and economic transformation. Consequently, his proposed scholarship programme is designed to operate every year, with the number of beneficiaries increasing as additional funding sources are secured.
Under the initiative, the Benue State Government would provide the initial N2 billion annual allocation, while deliberate efforts would be made to attract support from international donor agencies, development partners, philanthropic organizations, corporate institutions and other stakeholders interested in advancing education in the state, so as to make the scheme more accessible to Benue students.
Chief Aondoakaa believes that through transparency, accountability and strategic partnerships, the programme can grow into one of the most impactful educational support schemes in Nigeria, offering scholarships, grants and student loans to thousands of beneficiaries annually.
The PDP governorship candidate has also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a visionary intervention that has expanded educational opportunities for Nigerian students. He noted that the Benue scholarship programme would be modeled in part after the NELFUND initiative while incorporating additional features tailored to the peculiar needs of students from the state.
According to Aondoakaa, education should not be the exclusive preserve of those from privileged backgrounds. Rather, every intelligent and hardworking child should have the opportunity to acquire quality education regardless of financial circumstances.
Beyond education, the PDP candidate has pledged to prioritize rural development, improve infrastructure, strengthen local government administration, tackle insecurity and create an enabling environment for economic growth across Benue State.
For Chief Aondoakaa, the proposed scholarship scheme is more than a campaign promise. It is a long-term investment in the future of Benue and a commitment to raising a generation of educated, skilled and productive citizens who will drive the state’s development for decades to come.
Recall that Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) while speaking with reporters in Makurdi yesterday promised to introduce a ₦2 billion scholarship scheme for indigent students of Benue origin, pledging to ensure that no qualified student is denied higher education because of financial constraints.
According to him, the programme would provide funding support for students in tertiary institutions to complete their studies, with beneficiaries expected to repay only reasonable amounts after graduation and securing employment. He explained that the initiative would be part of a broader development blueprint designed to empower young people and build a more prosperous Benue State.
In his words, Chief Aondoakaa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a bold intervention that has expanded access to higher education for thousands of Nigerian students.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice stated that the proposed Benue scholarship and student support programme would be modeled after the NELFUND framework, with appropriate modifications to suit the peculiar needs of Benue students. According to him, the scheme would combine educational support with accountability, ensuring that beneficiaries are empowered to complete their studies and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development after graduation.