ASABA—DELTA State Government, yesterday, disbursed over N426 million to 84 first class students and 85 physically challenged pupils and students of the state origin with a promise to continue to give financial support and provide sound education programmes for students in the state.
Speaking during the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the scheme, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, said: “Virtually all primary and secondary schools in the state have full facilities to support the needs of students with physical disabilities.
“This scholarship programme is a very meaningful one. It empowers students with disabilities by allowing them to pursue their education with the aim of promoting independence and self-reliance. The scholarship also frees them from financial worries with regard to their education and gives them and their families’ peace of mind.”
Also speaking, chairman of Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Rt. Rev. Buchi Aninye, explained that N420 million was disbursed to 84 existing beneficiaries of the first class scheme as 2nd, 3rd and 4th tranches payment.
Aninye said the physically challenged scheme was to assist students with disabilities, adding: “It has been a practice of the state government since the creation of the state. In 2012, we witnessed the award of this scholarship scheme to 101 physically challenged students.
“Today, the scholarship will be awarded to 85 physically challenged students at N20,000 for students in primary schools, N30,000 for students in secondary schools and N50,000 for studentsgin higher institutionsa.”
“I am delighted to inform you that our governor, Dr. Emmanuel Udughan, has approved and released the sum of N6,584,310 for this purpose, hence the ceremony today (yesterday).”