- Describe gesture as historic.
The National Association of Kogi State Law Students of Nigeria (NAKOLSON) has expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, for his recent approval of ₦300,000 as bursary allowance for Kogi State citizens currently studying at the Nigerian Law School.
In a statement signed by the association’s President, Ismail Salifu, NAKOLSON described the gesture as unprecedented and historic.
The association praised the governor for his sensitivity to the challenges faced by law students, emphasizing that the initiative has brought immense relief to the beneficiaries.
“We cannot express our gratitude enough for what the governor has done. This is not only historic but also memorable and heartwarming for us,” Salifu stated.
“We honestly did not expect this approval, given that such provisions were not made for those who passed through the Nigerian Law School before us. However, this governor has taken a different and progressive approach.
“In fact, we were aware that some of our peers from more economically advantaged states received between ₦200,000 and ₦250,000. Naturally, we set our expectations around these figures—if at all the bursary would be approved. But the governor surprised us by approving ₦300,000, a sum that goes above and beyond our expectations,” he added.
Salifu also highlighted the timeliness of the intervention, noting the significant financial strain many students face due to the current economic challenges in the country. “This news came at the right time. Many of our mates had to rely on their parents borrowing money to fund their admission to the Law School. On campus, students are struggling to make ends meet due to the harsh economic realities.
“Governor Ododo’s intervention is not just a financial relief; it is a testament to his commitment to the well-being of students. Truly, he is a man of the people whose impact is felt across all sectors. We also want to thank the Chairman of Kogi State Scholarship Board, Hon Raji Afolabi for his steadfast and meticulous nature in ensuring the captioning of the beneficial students,” he said.
In addition to commending the bursary, the association lauded the governor for consistently paying examination fees for students in the state. This includes the recent approval of ₦600 million for the payment of WAEC fees, covering 18,734 Kogi State students in public secondary schools. This initiative, they noted, ensured that no student was left behind in accessing critical educational opportunities, demonstrating the governor’s dedication to building a brighter future for Kogi’s youth.
The association also extended its commendation to the governor for his broader achievements in governance, particularly in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the welfare of civil servants in the state.
“We also want to use this opportunity to acknowledge the governor’s exceptional leadership in areas such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. Of particular note is his implementation of the new minimum wage of ₦72,500 for state civil servants and the consistent and prompt payment of salaries and pensions since his assumption of office.
“Governor Ododo’s ability to implement a ₦72,500 minimum wage, ahead of many states with larger revenues from the federation account and internally generated revenue, is a clear testament to his people-focused leadership. It is clear that the governor prioritizes the welfare of the people, and his actions have earned him widespread admiration,” Salifu added.
The National Association of Kogi State Law Students expressed confidence in the governor’s continued commitment to addressing the needs of students and other residents, further strengthening his legacy as a transformative leader.
