Bakassi–In a step toward expanding access to education in Bakassi Local Government Area, the 7th Legislative Assembly on Wednesday conducted the first reading of a proposed bye-law aimed at establishing a Scholarship and Bursary Fund for students across the LGA.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Nkoyo Okon, Councillor representing Ward 9 and Chairman of the House Committee on Education, seeks to create a legal framework for a sustainable financial support scheme targeting indigent and high-performing students at the secondary and tertiary levels.
Titled “A Bye-law to Provide for the Establishment of a Scholarship and Bursary Fund for Bakassi Students and for Related Matters 2025,” the proposed legislation was formally introduced at plenary, presided over by the Leader of the House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Grace Etim Bassey.
Key provisions of the bill include the creation of a dedicated Bakassi Scholarship and Bursary Fund, the constitution of an Education Support Committee, and provisions for annual budgetary allocation, voluntary donations, and transparent selection processes based on academic merit and financial need.
Legislators commended the initiative during deliberations, describing it as timely and people-oriented. The Assembly unanimously agreed to move the bill to the next stage.
Following its first reading, the proposed bye-law hopes to undergo a second reading in the coming weeks.
If passed, the bye-law is expected to transform the educational fortunes of Bakassi youth and demonstrate the council’s commitment to inclusive governance and long-term development.
