Oyebanji Boosts Student Support with Higher Bursaries, Scholarships in Ekiti.

Oyebanji Boosts Student Support with Higher Bursaries, Scholarships in Ekiti.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has intensified efforts to support students of Ekiti origin through expanded bursary and scholarship awards, as part of his broader commitment to education development in the state.

Speaking during the “S’Etigbo” segment held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Bukola Faluyi, and board member, Hon. Gabriel Ogundele, outlined major interventions introduced under Oyebanji’s leadership.

According to the board, the bursary award for undergraduate students has been increased from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000, while the regular scholarship amount has been raised from ₦60,000 to ₦80,000. In addition, new scholarship packages have been introduced for postgraduate students: ₦250,000 for Master’s and ₦750,000 for PhD candidates.

“These adjustments reflect the Governor’s clear focus on educational excellence and his resolve to ease the financial burden on Ekiti students,” Faluyi stated.

In a move that distinguishes Ekiti from many other states, bursary support begins from the 200-level of tertiary education, rather than being restricted to final-year students. The board also noted that brilliant secondary school leavers with exceptional WAEC or NECO results are offered full scholarships to support them through higher education.

“In 2023, we noticed that the manual bursary application process was limiting access, especially for students outside the state. With the Governor’s approval, we digitized the application process,” Ogundele explained. The digital overhaul resulted in a record-breaking 500,000 applications in the most recent cycle, indicating massive interest and accessibility.

Eligibility for the bursary is open to Ekiti indigenes in 200-level and above, with certification from their local government authorities. However, scholarships remain merit-based, requiring a minimum CGPA of 4.0 for university students and 3.0 for polytechnic or NCE students.

Additionally, each Ekiti indigene enrolled in the Nigerian Law School receives a ₦150,000 grant annually, with some beneficiaries reportedly receiving it more than once in a year. This, according to the board, highlights the administration’s special attention to professional education, particularly in the legal field.

Responding to criticisms and misinformation on social media, Faluyi described claims that the scholarship process is politicized or non-existent as “baseless and misleading.” She emphasized that the system is transparent, evidence-based, and built on fairness.

“Governor Oyebanji’s approach is results-driven. He is not just speaking about education — he is funding it, reforming it, and protecting the future of our youth,” she added.

Parents and students seeking further information are encouraged to visit the Ekiti State Government’s official website or contact the Scholarship Board directly.