…Bakassi Scholarship Fund Proposal Scales Second Reading
Ikot Effiom–The Bakassi Local Government Legislative Assembly has taken a step toward expanding access to education by considering a proposed byelaw that seeks to establish a Scholarship and Bursary Fund for indigent and high-performing students within the council area NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The proposal, sponsored by Hon. Nkoyo Okon, Councillor representing Ward 9 and Chairperson of the House Committee on Education, scaled its second reading during Tuesday’s plenary at the assembly chambers.
Presenting the bill, Hon. Okon said education remained “a cornerstone for the sustainable development of any society” and lamented that many intelligent, ambitious, and promising young people in Bakassi were unable to continue their studies due to financial hardship. She noted that this educational gap had long-term implications for human capital development, community progress, and the area’s economic advancement.
Under the proposed law, a legally recognized Bakassi Scholarship and Bursary Fund will be created and domiciled under the Education Department of the LGA, with oversight from the Legislative Assembly. The fund will be financed through annual budgetary allocations and partnerships with individuals, NGOs, and organizations committed to education and youth empowerment.
Key objectives of the fund include increasing access to quality education, encouraging academic excellence, reducing dropout rates, and empowering the youth population to contribute meaningfully to Bakassi’s development.
Eligibility for the scheme will be restricted to indigenes of Bakassi LGA, with selection based on academic merit and financial need. The application process will be competitive, transparent, and publicly announced.
Hon. Okon described the initiative as “more than just a legislative document—it is a social contract with the next generation,” urging all councillors to support the bill for the collective good of the local government area.
Presiding over the session, Leader of Council Rt. Hon. Grace Etim Bassey referred the byelaw to the Committee on Education for further legislative action.
