The Federal Government on Wednesday announced that it has increased scholarship grants to Nigerian students at all tertiary levels by 50 per cent.

It described the move as the “landmark reform of Nigeria’s national scholarship programme—its most ambitious overhaul in more than a decade,” aimed at reducing financial pressure on students and families and improving access to quality education nationwide.

The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, made the announcement in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, explaining that the initiative aligns with the government’s strong commitment to building a more inclusive, knowledge-based society.

Alausa stated, “Through the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Government has significantly increased scholarship grants across all academic levels, easing the financial burden on students and families, while enhancing access to quality education for all. This initiative is a key pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the heart of Nigeria’s transformation into a $1 trillion economy.

“To tackle the rising costs of education and to ensure that no deserving student is left behind, scholarship amounts have been increased by 50 per cent across the board. PhD students will now receive ₦750,000 annually (up from ₦500,000), Master’s students ₦600,000 (from ₦400,000), and undergraduate, HND, and NCE students ₦450,000 (up from ₦300,000).”

He said the updated programme focuses on merit, equity, and alignment with national development goals, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Sciences (STEMM), and vocational training.

He continued, “These enhanced awards apply to all major programmes, including the Nigerian Scholarship Award. As earlier pledged, we have also restructured the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship scheme.

“While existing beneficiaries will continue to receive their entitlements, funds previously earmarked for new international awards have been repurposed to introduce two new strategic scholarship categories under the national programme. The first targets students in public polytechnics pursuing STEM and vocational training, with ₦1 billion allocated to this group.

“The second is tailored for students studying Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy in public universities, also supported with ₦1 billion. These new categories reflect our commitment to investing in high-impact sectors critical to national development.”

He said the government has adopted a new allocation model designed to promote fairness and maximise results.

According to him, the new structure allocates 50 per cent of scholarships to undergraduate students, 25 per cent to Master’s students, and 25 per cent to PhD candidates.

“Of each category, 70 per cent of awards will support students in STEMM disciplines, while 30 per cent will support the Social Sciences. In a deliberate move to foster inclusion, five per cent of all scholarships will be reserved for students with disabilities,” he said.

He revealed that more than 15,000 students are projected to benefit from the Nigerian Scholarship Award, Education Bursary Award, and the revamped BEA programme.

He said implementation will be managed by the Federal Scholarship Board, working alongside an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.

Alausa added, “This committee includes representatives from the National Assembly, Federal Character Commission, Ministry of Women Affairs, and other key institutions to ensure transparency and accountability. With a total budget of ₦6 billion allocated for the 2025–2026 cycle, this reform is more than a policy—it is a bold national investment in our youth, our future, and our collective prosperity.

“We are not just funding education—we are building the human capital foundation for Nigeria’s long-term success. I remain fully committed to ensuring this renewed scholarship programme delivers on its promise, and I call on all stakeholders—students, parents, institutions, and the broader public—to work with us in realising the full potential of this transformative initiative.”

Jerry Gana, a founding figure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he is heading a team tasked with identifying the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Recently, the former minister of information revealed that efforts are underway to bring Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), back into the PDP.

Obi, who previously served as governor of Anambra, left the PDP on May 25, 2022, ahead of the 2023 general election.

He had been preparing to participate in the PDP’s presidential primary scheduled for May 28, 2022, before resigning.

On May 27, 2022, Obi officially joined the LP, where he became the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election.

While speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, on Wednesday, Gana said the PDP’s platform is now “so good, fascinating, and real” that some rivals may avoid contesting against it in the 2027 presidential election.

He also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to persuade Obi, who is also being considered by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to return to the PDP.

“The PDP is on the ground. I’m a researcher, and I research opinions. In the northern states, Peter Obi under the PDP will defeat any candidate because our people are very fair-minded and just,” Gana said.

“We are reaching out to Peter Obi. Because I’m leading a search team and there are many brilliant people, Peter may be good, but we have somebody better. So, we are searching,” he said.

Gana added that the PDP mishandled the events that led to Obi’s departure from the party.

“We made a mistake in 2023. If I were Atiku, I would say, ‘Peter, it is now your turn; I would give you a vice-president,’ but he didn’t,” he said.

Abdulmumin Jibrin, a key associate of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting occurred shortly after Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano, claimed that the current federal government is favouring the south in terms of infrastructure and development.

Jibrin, a former member of the house of representatives, spoke to reporters following the meeting and said the conversation centred on national unity and development.

The visit has fueled growing speculation about a potential alliance between Kwankwaso and Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

When asked if the meeting signaled a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jibrin avoided a definitive response, saying “everything is open” and “a possibility”.

“I do not think it is time for that conversation,” he said.

“But everything is open, and everything is a possibility. The most important thing is the stability of the country and its unity. I believe that when we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it.”

Jibrin, who maintains strong relationships with both Tinubu and Kwankwaso, described the two as experienced politicians committed to Nigeria’s progress and unity.

“The president is a first-class politician. The national leader of the NNPP is also a thoroughbred politician,” he said.

“I believe both of them are committed to the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.”

Jibrin also responded to Kwankwaso’s recent criticisms, saying that differing opinions should not be exaggerated.

“Every leader does his best, and it depends on how you want to rate him. You can decide to see the cup half full or half empty,” he said.

“But I also believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, and it can always contribute to deepening the discourse.”