Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has made a significant move to support students from poor backgrounds by removing the tax clearance requirement for accessing scholarships.
This decision aims to improve access to scholarships for those who need them most.
The Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board has been working to simplify the application process for scholarships. The removal of the tax clearance requirement is a major step towards achieving this goal. According to Prof. Yahaya Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, the governor’s executive order aims to improve access to scholarships for students who need them most.
*Key Highlights of the New Policy*
– *Removal of Tax Clearance Requirement*: Students no longer need to provide tax clearance to apply for scholarships.
– *Essay Writing Requirement Remains*: However, essay writing is now used to identify areas where students need support, rather than as a barrier to eligibility.
– *Establishment of Scholarship Awards Zonal Units*: Seven units have been set up in rural areas, each equipped with 30 computers, to simplify the application process.
– *On-the-Spot Scholarship Enrolments*: The Board now conducts enrolments for indigenous citizens across tertiary institutions, with over 4,330 potential beneficiaries awaiting disbursement.
*Impact of the New Policy*
– *Increased Access to Scholarships*: Students from poor backgrounds can now access scholarships more easily.
– *Simplified Application Process*: The establishment of zonal units and on-the-spot enrolments have reduced the burden of applying for scholarships.
– *Support for Students with Special Needs*: The governor has introduced government-funded scholarship intervention programs for students with special needs.
Additional Initiatives by the Governor
– *Employment for Medical Graduates*: Governor Uba Sani has provided employment for six medical students who recently graduated from Cuba, along with 14 of their counterparts who graduated from Uganda.
– *Scholarship Intervention Programs*: The governor has introduced government-funded scholarship intervention programs for innovation, aviation, merit-based studies, underprivileged groups, and People with Special Needs.
The governor’s decision has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the state’s education sector. Students and parents have expressed their gratitude for his commitment to supporting education in Kaduna State.