The Federation of Oyo State Students’ Unions (FOSSU) has commended the Oyo State Government for expanding its 2026 General Bursary Awards to cover 5,000 final-year students of Oyo State origin in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The National President of FOSSU, Aare Ahmed Mufutau, gave the commendation on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during a press briefing held at the Conference Centre, Ministry of Education, Oyo State Government Secretariat, Ibadan.
Mufutau described the bursary scheme as a timely and significant intervention capable of easing the financial burden confronting students, particularly those in their final year, saying the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to student welfare and educational development.
According to him, final-year students often face enormous financial pressures arising from research projects, academic requirements, examinations, clearance, documentation and other expenses associated with completing their programmes.
He noted that the decision to extend the bursary to final-year students in Colleges of Education was particularly commendable, as it ensured that students across different categories of tertiary institutions were not excluded from the state’s educational support programme.
Under the 2026 scheme, final-year Clinical Students, as well as students studying Aeronautics and Aviation, will receive ₦500,000 each, while University Undergraduates will receive ₦200,000.
Similarly, final-year HND students will receive ₦150,000, while NCE students will receive ₦100,000.
The FOSSU president disclosed that about 5,000 final-year students are expected to benefit from this year’s intervention, compared with approximately 2,600 beneficiaries recorded under the scheme last year.
He also disclosed that the Oyo State Government has, for six consecutive years, maintained the payment of ₦500,000 bursary awards to Oyo State indigenes in law school.
Mufutau expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the expansion of the bursary scheme, describing the governor as consistent in supporting the educational aspirations and welfare of Oyo State students.
He also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Hon. Victor Olojede, for what he described as his continued engagement with students and his role as a bridge between the government and the student community.
The FOSSU president urged all eligible final-year students to take advantage of the opportunity by completing their registration promptly when the application portal opens on Monday, October 12, 2026.
He stated that the registration would close on November 1, 2026, urging students to prepare the necessary documents, provide accurate information and avoid unofficial links or unverified information to guard against fraudulent activities.
Mufutau assured students that FOSSU would continue to disseminate accurate information on the bursary and other legitimate opportunities to Oyo State students across various institutions and locations.
He said the students’ body would continue to support policies that make it easier for Oyo State students to remain in school, complete their programmes and prepare for their future.
In a major political declaration at the briefing, the FOSSU National President announced the organisation’s support for Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mufutau said the student body was backing Makinde based on his administration’s achievements and interventions in the education sector, stressing that his performance as governor had given students confidence in his capacity to perform at the national level.
He declared: “For someone who has done so much as Governor, he will definitely do better as President.”
Mufutau, who described himself as the number one indigenous student representative in the state, said FOSSU, alongside other indigenous bodies in Oyo State, would mobilise support for Makinde and work towards ensuring his victory in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the declaration reflected the confidence of the student community in Makinde’s leadership and his commitment to the development of education and the welfare of young people.
The FOSSU president also used the occasion to appreciate teachers across Nigeria following the recent International Teachers’ Day celebration, acknowledging their resilience, patience and contribution to shaping the lives and future of students.
He reaffirmed the commitment of FOSSU to advocating policies that would strengthen education, protect students’ welfare and create a conducive environment for young people to achieve their academic aspirations.
