Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has approved ₦1.3 billion for bursary payments to eligible students across the state, alongside an increase in the per beneficiary award from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000.

The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, disclosed the approval in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the intervention forms part of the administration's efforts to ease the financial burden on students, widen access to higher education, and strengthen human capital development in Akwa Ibom.

According to the statement, the Governor's approval covers both the ₦1.3 billion earmarked for bursary disbursement to qualified students and a 150% increase in the bursary award, moving it from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 per beneficiary.

"This landmark approval underscores the Governor's commitment to easing the financial burden on students, expanding access to quality education, and investing in the future of Akwa Ibom's young people," the statement noted.

The Commissioner explained that the initiative is structured to support eligible students while encouraging greater participation in tertiary education across the state.

Government officials described the intervention as a substantial investment in Akwa Ibom's human capital, emphasising that education continues to stand as a central pillar of Governor Eno's development agenda.

The administration further indicated that it would sustain efforts to create opportunities for young people through policies and programmes aimed at advancing education and promoting sustainable development within the state.