Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, Senator representing Bayelsa West on Wednesday presented his annual educational grant to 136 students from Bayelsa State currently studying at the Nigerian Law School for the 2025 academic year.
He urged them to remain focused and committed to their studies.
Dickson, who made the presentation during a meeting with the beneficiaries, congratulated the students and encouraged them to approach their academic and professional journeys with discipline, dedication and a sense of responsibility.
He emphasised the need for the students to work hard, develop themselves intellectually and professionally, and ultimately contribute meaningfully to national development as well as the service of humanity and God.
The former governor noted that the educational grant programme has been sustained even after leaving office, describing it as part of his continued commitment to human capital development in Bayelsa State.
According to him, education formed a major pillar of his administration during his tenure as governor, leading to the establishment and expansion of several institutions across the state.
Among these were the University of Africa Toru-Orua and Bayelsa Medical University, alongside the development of colleges of education, polytechnics and secondary schools.
He also highlighted other initiatives introduced during his administration, including free boarding education for thousands of students, the construction of teachers’ and headmasters’ quarters, and the creation of specialised institutions such as the Ijaw National Academy and a sports academy.
In addition, the government built 15 model schools aimed at improving the quality of secondary education across the state.
Dickson further recalled that more than 4,000 scholarships were awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate students both within Nigeria and abroad during his time in office, despite the economic challenges posed by the recession at the time.
The former governor said his administration also implemented several policy and institutional reforms to strengthen the education sector.
These included the establishment of the Education Development Trust Fund, the Tertiary Students Loan Board to support financially disadvantaged students, and the Teachers Training Board.
Other agencies created included the Education Inspectorate Agency and the Board for Science and Technical Education.
He also referenced the establishment of institutions such as the International Institute for Tourism and Hospitality and Bayelsa State Polytechnic, as well as efforts to rebuild and reposition the Niger Delta University.
Beyond his years in government, Dickson said he has continued to support education through scholarships and grants for students annually.
He also established Hensard University, Bayelsa State’s first private university, which is currently in its third year of operation.
He described the yearly grant to Bayelsa students at the Nigerian Law School as a modest contribution toward supporting students and easing the financial burden on their parents and guardians.
Dickson added that the programme also provides him an opportunity to interact with the students, offer guidance and share advice that could help them navigate their academic and professional paths successfully.
