Cross River Lawmaker Calls for Urgent Revival of Scholarship Programme After 8-Year Gap

A member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mercy Apama, has expressed deep concern over the state’s failure to run a scholarship programme for eight consecutive years.

Representing the Yakurr II Constituency, Mrs. Apama raised the issue during Thursday’s plenary session while moving a motion for the reintroduction of scholarships and bursary awards through the state’s scholarship board.

According to her, scholarships play a vital role in supporting academically gifted students as well as those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them achieve their educational dreams.

She emphasised that, beyond awarding scholarships, the board has a mandate to actively seek funding from philanthropic individuals, private companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria to sustain its programmes.

“If the board does not urgently reintroduce scholarship and bursary programmes, I fear that efforts to develop the state’s manpower through the educational system may be undermined,” she warned.

The motion received strong backing from the Deputy Leader of the 10th Assembly, Mr. Davis Etta, and other lawmakers. They noted that restoring these educational support programmes would significantly boost learning opportunities across the state.

Lawmakers also praised Governor Bassey Otu’s recent educational interventions, including the renovation of the state library complex and the payment of Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for students. However, they urged the government to create a dedicated funding structure for scholarships to ensure long-term sustainability.

In his remarks, Speaker Elvert Ayambem commended Mrs. Apama for sponsoring the motion and lauded members for their support. He described the proposal as timely and assured that Governor Otu, known for his responsiveness to public welfare, would give the resolution due attention.