BY RICHARD M. APEMIYE

Dr. Steve Azaiki (SSG)

Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government (SSG) Dr. Steve Azaiki has revealed that the state government has concluded plans to institute a special scholarship programme for deserving Bayelsans to study in Universities in Overseas countries.

The scholarship scheme that is targeted to produce about 150 graduants annually in batches will be based on merit and geographical spread that is being designed for young secondary school leavers qualified both in learning and adjudged to be fit in character to pursue first-degree courses in the said Universities.

Speaking to newsmen on his arrival from his tour to Ukarine at the conference hall of the State Secretarial Complex Dr. Azaiki maintained that, the overseas scholarship scheme was the out come of one of the state Governor’s recent tour to Ukarine and other European countries. Explaining that the scholarship scheme provides 50 slots each for Sciences, Engineering and Agriculture related courses.

Dr. Azaiki explained that the product of scheme was as a result of the bilateral working relationship entered into between the State Government and the Governments of the related states in Ukarine. He reiterated that the programme which would be reviewed annually, is aimed to producing a large pool of qualified Bayelsans, in the relevant endeavours, to enable the state fill its manpower quota in both federal Institutions and the oil industry.

Responding to reporters question, Dr. Azaiki disclosed that, the overseas scholarship scheme is only complementary to the standing state scholarship and bursary award and is parallel to the Niger Delta University High Pack programme meant entirely for staff of NDU for the purpose of developing the staff manpower of the University.

Though the SSG posit that, the programme is ran at an enormous cost by the state Government but revealed that, because the huge amount of funds dispensed through the state covers is not evidenced on visible projects or departments, members of the public may not readily appreciate the impact of the developmental effect the various education programmes or schemes will have on the generality of the state manpower capacity.

Earlier, Chairman of the State Scholarship Board Mr. B. G. Brisibe, had given an overview of the policy trust and activities of the State Scholarship Board inaugurated in 2001. He said that the state scholarship policy, he claimed was the best in the country, provides the following rates for Bayelsan students in Institutions of higher learning.

The Bursary awards provides N10,000.00 for Undergraduates, N30,000.00 for Post Graduate courses, N90,000.00 for Doctorate degree courses N80,000.00 for Nigerian Law School students, N80,000.00 for Medical (Clinical) students, while Polytechnic student enjoys a bursary award of N80,000.00. School of Oceanography, Maritime Academy and School of Aviation are entitled to N80,000.00 each.

Explaining further that, the Bayelsa State Government also gives special consideration for special students. Disabled pupils in primary school in or outside the state are to enjoy the sum of N50,000.00 while post primary students are due for an allowance of N55,000.00. Their counterpart in the post secondary that is undergraduates students are to enjoy N70,000.00 bursary award. For post graduate courses, disabled students are entitled to N40,000.00 allowance while all Bayelsa students doing a one year pre-qualification programme or training receives N20,000.00 each.

Those present at the press briefing amongst others included the State Commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism. Mr. Benson Agadaga, His Education Ministry counterpart Dr. O.O. Osusu, the Finance Commissioner Hon. Solomon Apreala and the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media and Publicity, Deacon Breayi Ekiye.