The proposed law seeks to create a steady and transparent system for giving scholarships and bursaries to students of Bakassi origin, especially the vulnerable.
By Emmanuel Ita
A public hearing on students’ scholarship and bursary has been held by the Bakassi House of Assembly on Wednesday, October 15, at the Council Hall. The bill was sponsored by Hon Nkoyo Effiong Okon, Councillor representing Ward 9, and co-sponsored by seven other Councillors.
The proposed law seeks to create a steady and transparent system for giving scholarships and bursaries to students of Bakassi origin, especially the vulnerable.
Hon Nkoyo, while persuading her colleagues to support the bill, assured them that it would help support education, reduce school dropout rates, and promote equal opportunity for all Bakassi indigenes.
Leading a students’ delegation to the public hearing, Comr Inyang Solomon Ekpenyong, President of the National Association of Bakassi Students Worldwide (NABAS-WW), described the bye-law as “a beacon of hope” for young people struggling to pay school fees. He explained that many students have dropped out because of financial hardship.
Ekpenyong thanked the Bakassi 7th Legislature, led by Rt Hon Grace Bassey, for focusing on youth empowerment and education, describing it as “a bold step toward a better future.”
Stakeholders at the hearing gave several advice on how to ensure the bill eventually becomes a law and is sustained to avoid political bias.
Ekpenyong promised to work with the council to see the bye-law passed and properly implemented.