By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The Maikaya Development Foundation has begun the disbursement of scholarship funds to 730 indigent students of Nasarawa State enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to education, youth development and human capital growth.
The scholarship programme followed an overwhelming response from applicants, with more than 15,000 students applying through the foundation’s online portal. After a rigorous and transparent screening process, 730 candidates emerged as beneficiaries.
Speaking at the commencement of the disbursement exercise in Lafia on Friday, the Chief Operating Officer of the foundation, Hon. Shuaibu Sani, said the application portal was opened on December 15, 2025, and closed in January 2026, after which shortlisted applicants were carefully screened.
Sani explained that the scholarship scheme is one of the core mandates of the Maikaya Development Foundation, particularly at a time when economic pressures are making access to education increasingly difficult for many families.
“This programme is designed to cushion the burden on parents and guardians, especially now that students are returning to school amid rising costs,” he said.
He disclosed that each beneficiary received ₦25,000, adding that students were selected from all wards and the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State to ensure fairness, equity and inclusiveness.
According to him, the foundation has consistently expanded the scope of the programme over the years, with 300 students supported in 2024, more than 600 in 2025, and 730 beneficiaries in 2026.
“This intervention has been sustained for over 10 years. We have continued to support students of Nasarawa State without discrimination,” Sani added.
He noted that the inclusion of indigene forms among the application requirements helped to verify applicants and strengthen the credibility of the process.
Sani also said the scholarship initiative complements the developmental efforts of the Nasarawa State Government under Governor Abdullahi Sule, describing the foundation’s programmes as supportive interventions aimed at consolidating government policies for the overall welfare of the people.
Beyond scholarships, the Maikaya Development Foundation has recently undertaken several other interventions across the state. These include the organisation of a football tournament in Toto Local Government Area, which attracted widespread participation and promoted unity, as well as the provision of cash awards and empowerment support to women and youths.
A similar football tournament currently underway in Akwanga Local Government Area is nearing completion, with the final match scheduled for next week. In the area of infrastructure support, the foundation also installed a solar energy system at the Building Materials Market in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, to boost commercial activities and enhance security.
Some beneficiaries drawn from institutions such as Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Isah Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia; and the College of Education, Akwanga, described the scholarship as timely and impactful.
A 100-level student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Muhammed Ibrahim, said the support would help him meet academic expenses. “This gesture has reduced the pressure on my parents and motivated me to take my studies more seriously,” he said.
Similarly, an HND I Business Administration student of Isah Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Emmanuel Isah, described the scholarship as a rare opportunity. “This is the first time I am receiving financial assistance from a non-governmental organisation,” he said.
At the College of Education, Akwanga, a year-one Home Economics student, Tanze Ezekiel, expressed appreciation to the foundation, noting that the funds would assist with school-related obligations and transportation costs.
The Maikaya Development Foundation has continued to earn commendation across Nasarawa State for its sustained contributions to education, youth empowerment and community development.
