BENUE ASSEMBLY CALLS ON THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO REACTIVATE STUDENTS BURSARY SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

The Benue State House of Assembly has called on the executive Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia to look into the plight of the Benue Students and show his usual love to them especially those touring with professional courses.

The house also called on the Benue State State Scholarship Board to update the Students’ Community data by opening the office for the students who meet up criteria to register for the scheme.

The decision was reached Thursday,11th September 2025, during a plenary presided over by the Speaker Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga .

Mover of the motion and member representing Ogbadibo State Constituency Hon. Samuel Agada, informed the house that the Scholarship Scheme has been abandoned for more than ten years without any hope of restoration, leaving the indigenous students in the higher institutions as less privileged.

He further states that the initiative is operational in other States of the country while Benue State Students lurk in the corner to watch as other States’ Students enjoy dividends of democracy before their naked eyes.

Members who contributed expressed deep sense of empathy on the Benue Students, saying if the government did not rise to the occasion and show concern to the the Students who are suffering yearly increase in school fees and some parents not being able to meet up malady will lead to high school dropout and criminal solutions such as internet fraud and other negative vices.

Also during Plenary, the house called on the ministry of works, Housing and Urban Development to immediately rehabilitate the portion of the road between their office and the old bridge to serve as an alternative route for travelers passing through Makurdi, the State Capital.

The House also called on the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and that of Justice and Public Order and relevant agencies to intensify efforts in preventing child trafficking and supporting victims and their families as well as urged the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Services to immediately conduct a coordinated, State – Wide investigation into cases of missing children and suspected child trafficking in the State.

Three bills enjoyed the third reading at the floor of the House yesterday and were passed into law, they are; The Colleges of education Oju and Katsina- Ala amendment bill and a bill to rename the Rev. Fr. Mosses Orshio Adasu University to Father Adasu University.

The Colleges of education Oju and Katsina- Ala amendment bill seeks the upgrade of the two institutions to degree awarding institutions.

The House also considered a bill aimed at regulating property rents, landlords, agents, and tenants in Benue State. The bill seeks to promote fairness and transparency in rental practices, offering relief to tenants and fostering stability in the state’s housing sector.

Zape Michael Upaa,
Press Secretary,
Office of the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly.
12th September, 2025.