Senator Karimi Explains Why He Gave N300 Million to Kogi Students

Following the release of N300 million by Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West, in what has been called a historic education intervention, students from all over Kogi poured out in celebration.

Speaking about the project, Senator Karimi reaffirmed his conviction that education is still the most effective means of empowering people and explained that the bursary programme was created to lessen the financial burden on students.

“This intervention is about investing in our future. When we support our students today, we are securing a better tomorrow for Kogi State and Nigeria at large,” he said.

The senator revealed that each beneficiary received ₦100,000 out of a total disbursement of ₦300 million. Kogi State's three senatorial districts received an equal share of the funds, guaranteeing inclusivity and equity in the beneficiary selection process.

Karimi claims that the programme was directed at Kogi State natives enrolled in public higher education institutions throughout Nigeria.

He emphasised that no legitimate student should be excluded due to financial or geographic constraints, pointing out that the program's broad reach was deliberate.

“This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which places strong emphasis on human capital development,” the lawmaker said.

He went on to say that aiding students is consistent with his goal of using people focused initiatives rather than just rhetoric to rally support at the grassroots level for the president's reelection.

Many of the students who benefited from the programme said the money would help pay for tuition, housing, and school supplies, and they characterised the gesture as timely and transformative.

Scenes of joy and gratitude were reported at various disbursement centres throughout the state. The programme's successful implementation sets a new standard for student focused empowerment initiatives, according to observers, who have called it one of the biggest single education support interventions by a serving lawmaker in Nigeria.