BAKASSI—The 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly has passed the Bakassi Local Government Scholarship and Bursary (Establishment and Administration) Byelaw, 2025, marking a major step toward institutionalising educational support for students across the local government area, NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The byelaw, sponsored by Hon. Nkoyo Effiong Okon, Councillor representing Ward 9, and co-sponsored by Hon. Miriam Etim Okon (Ward 2), Hon. Prince Bassey Mkpeti (Ward 6), and Hon. Nsa Nsa Effiom (Ward 1), seeks to create a legal framework for administering scholarships and bursaries to deserving and indigent students of Bakassi.
According to the provisions of the law, the Bakassi Scholarship and Bursary Scheme will promote access to quality education, reward academic excellence, and reduce school dropouts due to financial hardship. A Scholarship and Bursary Committee will be established to manage the scheme, with representatives drawn from the local government, traditional institutions, youth councils, women’s groups, and student bodies.
Hon. Nkoyo Effiong Okon, while presenting the bill, described it as “a long-awaited intervention that will empower the next generation of Bakassi scholars and professionals.” She added that the initiative aligns with the local government’s human capital development agenda.
The passage of this bill makes it the second byelaw enacted by the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, following the recent passage of the Bakassi Vocational Training Institute Byelaw — both reflecting the council’s renewed focus on youth empowerment, education, and community development.
Once assented to by the Executive Chairman of Bakassi Local Government, the byelaw will officially come into force, paving the way for the implementation of scholarship and bursary awards beginning in 2025.
