Lawmaker Empowers 1,000 Indigent Students with ₦100m Scholarship in Nasarawa
Nalaraba Expands Scholarship Scheme Amid Economic Hardship
In a bold move to strengthen educational opportunities for underprivileged youths, Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, Member representing Awe, Doma, and Keana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has disbursed ₦100 million in scholarship grants to 1,000 indigent students across Nasarawa State.
Each beneficiary received ₦100,000 through the Nalaraba Educational Foundation, an initiative established in 2019 to promote access to quality education for disadvantaged students.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Lafia, Nalaraba explained that the foundation had significantly expanded its reach due to the current economic challenges confronting parents and guardians across the country.
“In 2023, we supported 300 students with ₦50,000 each. Today, we are proud to extend ₦100,000 to 1,000 beneficiaries across Nasarawa State. This expansion reflects our commitment to ensuring no child is left behind due to financial constraints,” he said.
Foundation’s Growth and Sustainability
The lawmaker assured that the scholarship scheme would be sustained, noting that the foundation would also continue to roll out other empowerment initiatives for the benefit of his constituents.
Since its inception, the foundation has consistently supported students with varying amounts of scholarship awards. What started with just 500 students in its early phase has now grown to 1,000 beneficiaries, making it one of the most impactful private educational support programmes in the state.
Community Leaders Laud the Initiative
In his remarks, the Aren Eggon, Justice Ahmed Ubangari Alaku, lauded the gesture, describing it as a practical demonstration of leadership with compassion. He urged the students to make good use of the opportunity by remaining focused on their studies.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nalaraba Educational Foundation, Professor Amirikpa Oyigbenu, explained that beneficiaries were carefully selected through committees and stakeholders across the three senatorial districts of the state, ensuring fairness and inclusivity.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Some of the recipients, including Abimiku David and Bushrat Safianu, expressed gratitude, noting that the scholarship would ease the financial burden of their education and give them renewed determination to succeed academically.
“This scholarship has lifted a huge burden off my parents. I will ensure I put it to good use and remain dedicated to my studies,” one of the beneficiaries said.
A Lifeline for Education in Nasarawa
Since 2019, the Nalaraba Educational Foundation has steadily expanded its reach, providing scholarships and empowerment programmes that have touched thousands of lives across Nasarawa State. With this year’s ₦100 million investment in education, the foundation is fast becoming a model for grassroots-driven educational support in Nigeria.