FESSU Urges Increment in Bursary Award, Commends Gov. Oyebanji for Digitalizing Application process
The Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) has called on the Ekiti State Government, led by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to increase the state’s bursary award from N20,000 to N50,000, citing the current economic challenges faced by students. The appeal was made by the National President of FESSU, Comrade Benjamin Onileowo, during a press briefing at the NUJ Secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, marking the six-month anniversary of his administration’s leadership.
Comrade Onileowo expressed the union’s gratitude to the state government for digitalizing the bursary and scholarship application process, a move that came in response to request from the union. He noted that the digital platform had helped streamline the application process, reducing risks associated with the previous system and making it more accessible for Ekiti students across the country.
In his address, Onileowo highlighted several initiatives spearheaded by FESSU, including the Ekiti Students Digital Skill Development BootCamp, which has trained over 500 students, and the Ekiti Girl Child Initiative, which empowered over 350 female students and Campus Tour initiative which has engaged Ekiti Students in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti States. He also mentioned upcoming programs scheduled for November to December 2024, such as the Ekiti Students Leadership Convergence, Ekiti Financial Literacy Summit, and the Ekiti Mediapreneur Conference.
Beyond these initiatives, the FESSU President appealed to the state government for further support in areas critical to student welfare. He called for the construction of an Ekiti Students Complex, provision of mobility for the union, increased subvention for student-related projects, inclusion of students in government decision-making processes, and backing for the Ekiti Students Tech Club Project.
These efforts, he stressed, are part of the union’s broader agenda to foster leadership, financial literacy, and digital skills among Ekiti students, helping them navigate the current socio-economic landscape and securing a brighter future for the next generation.