Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has promised to raise the yearly bursary for indigenous students attending public higher institutions from N50,000 to N200,000 if he secures a second term in office.
The governor made this pledge during a fireside session on the second day of the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference held at Ibom Hall in Uyo, according to Punch. He explained that the adjusted payment would begin after the February 2027 governorship polls, taking effect once he takes the oath of office on May 29, 2027.
Governor Eno noted that the proposed increment aims to cushion the financial burden on undergraduates from modest homes so they can comfortably settle their school fees. He reflected on his own humble roots, remarking that bursaries began smaller before reaching the current N50,000 rate, and will climb to N200,000 to ensure youths can cover essential academic costs.
Alongside the proposed bursary review, Eno stated that his administration would maintain the free and compulsory education policy across primary and secondary schools in the state.
Addressing recipients of the N50 million Ibom Ignite business support fund, the state leader cautioned them against mismanaging the money on frivolous spending. He urged the young entrepreneurs to treat the allocation as foundational capital, warning that an unplanted and neglected seed inevitably dies.
The governor further highlighted his social welfare track record, noting the construction of over 500 Compassionate Homes for vulnerable citizens across the 31 local government councils, with each household receiving a N500,000 enterprise grant. If voted in for another tenure, Eno pledged to build 1,000 additional units paired with business funds across the state's wards.
