Akwa Ibom State Government has established an education intervention fund for the physically challenged students across the state to support their educational growth process.
The sum of ₦100 million has been set aside as Education Intervention Fund to aid the physically challenged students in public tertiary institutions.
Governor Umo Eno made the announcement during a courtesy visit to Government House in Uyo by the University of Uyo chapter of the National Association of Students with Disabilities, led by President Comrade Emmanuel Wisdom.
Governor Eno said the development was made to give students a sense of belonging and to underscore the inclusion drive of his administration.
“The motive is to encourage them and make life easier for them. At least if they want to go to school, let’s pay their tuition because they are doing very well and even better than some who are not challenged,” Eno said.
“All of us are challenged in one way or the other. I just want to say you are not alone; we will work with you and support you.”
The disbursement of the fund will be overseen by the Office of the Accountant-General, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Ministries of Education, Women’s Affairs, and Social Welfare, Eno said.
He noted that the fees are paid directly to the beneficiaries’ schools and allowances are given to the students after due profiling, and warned against bureaucratic bottlenecks in the disbursement.
“It’s just ₦100 million, but we may augment it from time to time. I don’t want the bureaucratic bottleneck of them applying and there is no money, so we put the money there for you to manage and give us the report, but please let’s verify and make sure these are the right people and encourage them,” Eno said.
