Lagos Government Announces Waiver of Application Fees for State-Funded Scholarships and Bursaries

The Lagos State Government has announced the removal of application fees for scholarships offered by the Lagos State Scholarship Board (LSSB).

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the decision as part of efforts to improve access to education.

The announcement was made in a statement on the Lagos State Government website on Monday, highlighting that the initiative is in line with the state government’s agenda that promotes youth empowerment and social development by removing barriers to education.

“The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the removal of application fees for scholarships and bursaries offered by the Lagos State Scholarship Board (LSSB). This decision is in line with the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda initiative, which aims to promote youth empowerment and social inclusion,” read part of the statement.

The Secretary overseeing the program, Mr. AbdurRahman Lekki, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support, saying the decision reinforces the government’s commitment to equitable education and its reputation as a youth-centric administration.

Previously, candidates were required to pay between N2,500 for scholarships and N5,000 for PhD scholarships.

Lekki noted that the elimination of these fees would ease financial pressure on students and address stakeholders’ concerns regarding access to education, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He also clarified that the revenue from these fees represented only 0.5% of the program’s total budget, justifying their elimination.

The statement acknowledged the support of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Waheed Kasali, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, in facilitating the initiative.

He expressed optimism that eliminating tuition fees would encourage more students to pursue higher education, boosting economic growth.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to education and urged students to take advantage of scholarships and bursaries to overcome financial barriers.

What you should know

The Lagos State Scholarship Council, initially formed in 1968, was formally established by law on September 27, 2012.

Its vision is to become a leading agency in providing financial assistance to scholars, with a focus on promoting educational growth by offering timely support to deserving students.
The mission focuses on promoting self-sufficiency and advancing the socio-economic development of Lagos State through education.
The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has achieved significant milestones in supporting students through the Council.
As reflected on the official website of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, the governor approved N375,455,000 in September 2023 for new and subsequent scholarships and bursaries.
As of October 2021, over N290 million has been allocated for local scholarships and bursaries, benefiting students at various higher education institutions across the country.
Previously, in August 2021, N400 million was disbursed to indigent students for the 2018/2019 academic session, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to ensuring that education remains affordable and accessible.