By James Ian
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has promised to introduce a ₦2 billion scholarship scheme for indigent students of Benue origin, pledging to ensure that no qualified student is denied higher education because of financial constraints.
Chief Aondoakaa disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists in Makurdi, where he outlined key aspects of his vision for the state, if elected governor in 2027.
He said the programme would provide funding support for students in tertiary institutions to complete their studies, with beneficiaries expected to repay only reasonable amounts after graduation and securing employment. He explained that the initiative would be part of a broader development blueprint designed to empower young people and build a more prosperous Benue State.
Chief Aondoakaa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as a bold intervention that has expanded access to higher education for thousands of Nigerian students.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice stated that the proposed Benue scholarship and student support programme would be modeled after the NELFUND framework, with appropriate modifications to suit the peculiar needs of Benue students. According to him, the scheme would combine educational support with accountability, ensuring that beneficiaries are empowered to complete their studies and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development after graduation.
He pledged to run a people-centred administration and prioritize infrastructural development across the state, particularly in rural communities, which he said have suffered years of neglect despite their importance to the state’s economy.
Aondoakaa lamented what he described as the collapse of the local government system despite the Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy. According to him, the situation has made it difficult for council chairmen to initiate and execute meaningful projects for their communities.
The PDP governorship candidate linked the worsening insecurity in the state to the weakening of local government administration, arguing that the decay of rural infrastructure, especially roads, has severely hampered security agencies’ ability to respond promptly to threats and attacks in remote areas.
Aondoakaa also criticized what he termed the inequitable distribution of resources and development projects across Benue State. He faulted the current administration in the state for failing to take a clear and firm position on issues relating to the earmarking of Benue lands for public ranching.
He maintained that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of movement and lawful business activities, such ventures must operate strictly within the confines of existing laws.
The PDP flagbearer sympathized with Benue people over what he described as the inaccessibility of the present administration and promised to operate an open-door government that would encourage citizen participation in governance.
He further pledged to grant full autonomy to local governments, saying the move would decentralize governance and improve service delivery in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development.
Aondoakaa questioned what he described as the concentration of development projects in Makurdi and other urban centres while many rural communities continue to lack basic infrastructure.
He gave assurance that his administration would ensure a fair distribution of projects across all parts of the state and would focus on initiatives that directly improve the lives of the people rather than pursuing what he termed misplaced priorities.
The PDP candidate said his vision for Benue is anchored on security, quality education, agricultural revival, healthcare improvement and inclusive governance aimed at restoring the state’s lost glory and creating opportunities for all citizens.
