The Benue State Government has unveiled plans to provide startup grants of up to one million naira to unemployed first-class degree holders from the state, according to an announcement from the governor’s office.
Principal Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on National Programmes, Civil Society, Mass Voter Education and Strategic Interventions, Solomon Semaka, revealed that his office has initiated discussions with private sector partners to establish an endowment fund for the programme.
“As part of the administration’s drive to promote academic excellence and enhance self-sustainability in line with the vision of His Excellency Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, we are creating this opportunity for our brightest minds,” Semaka stated.
According to the announcement, the non-refundable grants will range from N500,000 to N1 million per recipient, with plans to award 25 beneficiaries annually over the next four years. The first batch of recipients is expected to be announced by the last quarter of 2025.
The initiative also aims to secure employment opportunities for the beneficiaries. “In addition to the grants, my office will interface with relevant government and non-governmental organisations to find appropriate job placements for them,” Semaka explained.
Private donors are encouraged to contribute to the fund, either to the general pool or by nominating specific beneficiaries for grants.
The governor’s office is currently compiling a database of first-class degree holders from the state as potential beneficiaries. The announcement follows earlier communications about the data collection effort.
The programme represents part of Governor Alia’s broader initiatives to address unemployment and promote excellence in education across Benue State.
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