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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Former governor of Bayelsa State and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has given education grants to 1000 students of Ijaw origin through the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, Education Support Scheme.
A breakdown of the beneficiaries indicated that 129 are from University of Africa Toru- Orua, 51 from Niger Delta University, 48 from Bayelsa Medical University, 25 each from Federal University Otuoke, Isaac Boro College of Education, Sagbama, Bayelsa State Polytechnic and Federal Polytechnic. Ekowe.
Also captured were 79 students undergoing Master’s programmes from Sagbama and Ekeremor, 45 PhD students and 80 Bayelsans from the three senatorial districts in the Nigerian Law school.
Speaking during the event at the weekend at King Kpadi Mein Square, Toru-Orua, Dickson said he decided to extend the programme to other parts of the state because of the tremendous support Bayelsans from other senatorial gave his government when he was governor
He also said the scheme was expanded to include PhD students as part of efforts to support those at the frontiers of knowledge.
Dickson, who admitted the grants may not be enough to cover the tuition fees of the students, said they should see it as a token of his support for the education advancement of Bayelsans.
“All the beneficiaries for last year were solely from Bayelsa West. But as you know, as a former governor, I am one of the key leaders of our state, we consulted and came to the conclusion that some good coming out from me should be extended to other parts of the state. Because they invested in our leadership over the years and they still do. This year’s event has almost equal numbers of beneficiaries from the six other local government areas of our state. Also, there were few other beneficiaries from Ijaw land, outside Bayelsa State. At this year’s event, we are going to present grants to Bayelsans in the Nigerian Law school,’’ he said.
Dickson commended the Bayelsa State government for sustaining the education policies initiated by his administration.
Deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who represented Governor Douye Diri, praised Dickson for the initiative which has continued to demonstrate his love for education which prompted him to establish eight education institutions during his tenure as governor.
He admonished the beneficiaries to see the grant as a motivation to excel in their various programmes.
Chairman on the occasion and a member of Bayelsa Education Trust Fund (ETF), Fidelis Agbiki, described Dickson as a visionary whose tenure witnessed a turn-around for education in Bayelsa with the ETF and the Bayelsa Students Loans Board.
Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Africa, Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, who doubles as the chairman of the selection committee, applauded Dickson for sustaining the programme and expanding it to accommodate more beneficiaries.
