Senator Karimi Delivers on N300 Million Bursary Promise to Kogi Students
The Sunday Steve Karimi Education Foundation (SSKEF), in collaboration with the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), has commenced the disbursement of a N300 million bursary to students across Kogi State. This initiative marks a significant expansion from its previous focus on Kogi West to now include all three senatorial districts, demonstrating a broader commitment to educational support in the region.
Expansion of the Bursary Scheme
Funded by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, this second edition of the bursary programme builds on the success of the maiden edition in 2024. Initially, the scheme disbursed N100 million to 1,390 beneficiaries exclusively from Kogi West Senatorial District, covering its seven local government areas. In June 2025, SSKEF announced plans to extend the bursary to Kogi Central and Kogi East, opening applications for 610 beneficiaries in Kogi Central and 1,000 in Kogi East. This expansion brings the total number of beneficiaries statewide to 3,000, with each successful applicant receiving N100,000.
Transparent and Efficient Disbursement Process
According to a statement from Karimi's media team, the 2026 disbursement began on Tuesday, 20 January, with a focus on transparency and fairness. The application portal was open from 1 August to 31 August 2025, targeting undergraduates in public tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnics, monotechnics, and colleges of education. Eligibility criteria excluded beneficiaries of the 2024 bursary, students of private institutions, and final-year students. The foundation emphasized that all applicants underwent a rigorous screening process, with those recommended by local government subcommittees receiving payments, including cases like students from the College of Education Technical, Mopa, who lacked JAMB numbers.
Commitment to Education and Development
Senator Karimi highlighted that this scheme reflects his dedication to empowering students through financial assistance and promoting academic excellence. In a statement, he reiterated his commitment to a transparent, fair, efficient, and equitable process for all applicants. During a meeting with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja in June 2025, Karimi disclosed the detailed breakdown of the N300 million disbursement: N100 million for Kogi East, N61 million for Kogi Central, and N139 million for Kogi West, all facilitated through the Tinubu Support Group and SSKEF.
Impact and Testimonials from Beneficiaries
The foundation reported that over 10,000 students applied for the scheme, with 3,000 meeting the eligibility criteria. Distribution by senatorial district includes 610 beneficiaries in Kogi Central, 1,000 in Kogi East, and 1,390 in Kogi West. Beneficiaries and their families have expressed gratitude for the timely support. For instance, Adebowale Ayobami Emmanuel, a student at Kogi State University, Lokoja, described the bursary as a godsend, while Hezekiiah Obajemu praised the financial relief. Atakolo Onalo, a lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, thanked the foundation for supporting his daughter at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, noting it as a significant gesture from the political sphere in Kogi State.
Other beneficiaries, such as Muhammad Munir from Kogi State Polytechnic, Kotonkarfe, shared how the bursary alleviated financial pressures like rent issues, providing hope during challenging times. James Jibrin Nelson, a student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, emphasized that the funds would aid in acquiring a laptop for academic research, underscoring the practical benefits of the support.
This initiative not only fulfills Senator Karimi's pledge but also contributes to the overall development of Kogi State by investing in its youth and fostering educational opportunities.
