They lamented that disbursements have not been made to awardees for 2024, 2025, and 2026, while outstanding arrears owed to some beneficiaries from 2022 to 2024 also remain unpaid. The students are now calling on the government to urgently intervene.

According to them, several attempts to engage key institutions—including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and legislative bodies—have not produced any tangible results or clear payment timeline.

Salihu Iliya, who represents awardees in the North Central region, said the situation has caused significant hardship for students across the country.

He stressed that education should be treated as a fundamental right and not a privilege, adding that government commitments to students must be honoured without delay.

In a joint statement issued by awardees’ representatives nationwide, the students reiterated that despite multiple engagements with authorities, the issue remains unresolved.

They confirmed that no funds have been disbursed to beneficiaries of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 scholarship cycles, while arrears for earlier beneficiaries are still pending.

Under the Federal Scholarship Board scheme, students are required to maintain a minimum CGPA of 4.0 after their first year to continue receiving support until graduation. However, beneficiaries say the system has been plagued by persistent delays in payment.

Kabiru Datti Na Malanta, a 2022 awardee and Civil Engineering student at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, said he initially relied on the scholarship to ease his financial burden but has since been forced to borrow money due to non-payment.

He explained that although beneficiaries were approved for N250,000 per session, later increased to N300,000 and then N450,000, none of the promised payments have been received.

Another student, Umar Faruk Sada of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said the delays have made it difficult for him to meet basic needs such as accommodation, feeding, and academic materials, adding that he has lost hope after waiting for over two years.

Other students also expressed concern over the broader impact, warning that the situation could undermine trust in government education initiatives and contribute to brain drain.

Some described the delays as a violation of beneficiaries’ rights, while others said it reflects wider systemic challenges in the education sector.

Students further argued that the scholarship scheme, meant to support education and human capital development, is failing to achieve its purpose due to persistent administrative bottlenecks.

Efforts to get a response from the Federal Scholarship Board were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The march, which commenced from the association’s secretariat in Ikotun, passed through Isolo, Ejigbo, Igando-Ikotun, and Egbeda-Idimu Local Government Areas, as members mobilised support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists during the exercise, the association’s president, Sunday Olusesan Adewunmi, praised the President’s performance and called on Nigerians to back his second-term ambition.

“We are ready to support President Tinubu and mobilise for the next general election. He has been doing well, and we believe he deserves another term to consolidate on his achievements,” he said.

Also speaking, the market chairman, Fatai Adekeye, urged critics of the administration to recognise areas of progress despite ongoing economic challenges.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to mobilising votes for the President in 2027, particularly across Alimosho and surrounding communities.

“President Tinubu has done a lot, and we believe the current challenges will yield long-term benefits. We are working collectively to ensure his re-election,” he stated.

A trader, Aishat Alabi, also encouraged residents to support the All Progressives Congress, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory in Lagos State in the next election.

Prof. Dozie, who has officially assumed duty as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution, said the policies and support from both leaders have created a favourable environment for growth, innovation, and development in tertiary education.

He made the remarks shortly after his appointment at the Senate Chamber, where he expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors while introducing new reforms.

“I commend President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their commitment to repositioning education in Nigeria. Their leadership has provided the necessary framework for institutions like FUTO to thrive,” he said.

He assured stakeholders that his administration would prioritise academic excellence, research advancement, and infrastructural development to improve the university’s global standing.

Prof. Dozie also promised to fast-track ongoing projects and introduce reforms aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes.

“My vision is to take FUTO to greater heights by promoting innovation, strengthening industry partnerships, and ensuring our graduates remain globally competitive,” he added.

His appointment followed what the university described as a transparent and rigorous selection process conducted by its Governing Council.

Before his emergence, he served as Vice Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba (KO) Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, in Imo State.

Expressing joy over his new role, Dozie said he remains committed to advancing the institution’s founding vision while consolidating past achievements.

“The vision is to reposition this university into a truly world-class institution. That is what I have come to do with the team on ground,” he said.

He further pledged continuity, stability, and progress, stressing that his leadership would build on previous efforts while expanding academic frontiers.

The outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oti, expressed gratitude for her tenure, describing it as peaceful and inclusive, while reflecting on her journey with the institution.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, commended the outgoing VC for her achievements and confirmed Prof. Dozie’s appointment, describing the selection process as fair and credible.

The event was attended by members of the university governing council, staff, students, and other stakeholders.