Students from Rivers State studying at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to urgently establish bursary allowances, scholarship schemes and other incentives to ease the financial pressures affecting their studies. The appeal was made by the Rivers Students’ Union, ABU chapter.
Speaking during a meeting of the union on Monday, its president, Akio Kikpoye, expressed concern that the lack of government-backed educational support had left many students struggling. He said the situation had become increasingly dire as more Rivers indigenes at ABU found themselves without financial assistance.
Kikpoye explained that previous administrations had been approached repeatedly but none implemented relief measures for Rivers students in the institution. This neglect, he said, had left many self-sponsored students in difficult circumstances, with some barely able to sustain themselves academically.
He also highlighted the union’s operational challenges, particularly the absence of a secretariat. Without a designated office space, the union has been unable to effectively organise academic, welfare and mentorship programmes intended to support students.
The union president appealed to Governor Fubara to prioritise the introduction of bursaries and scholarship awards tailored to Rivers indigenes pursuing higher education outside the state. According to him, such programmes would help promote academic excellence and reduce the financial obstacles confronting students.
Kikpoye further urged prominent Rivers stakeholders to extend support where possible, emphasising that collective effort was needed to ensure that students remained focused on their studies. He said the students were determined to succeed but required the necessary backing to achieve their potential.
He concluded by expressing optimism that the governor and other well-meaning Rivers leaders would respond swiftly, noting that educational investment remained one of the most impactful commitments to the state’s future development.
