By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has announced a substantial increase in the bursary awarded to medical students, raising the amount from ₦5,000 to ₦117,000.
In a statement issued by Barrister Zainab Usman, the Taraba State Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, the Governor’s decision marks a pivotal investment in the state’s critical health sector and is regarded as one of the most impactful educational reforms in recent times.
“Previously, medical students received insufficient stipends, ₦5,000 for preclinical students and ₦8,000 for clinical students, amounts that were inadequate in covering the realities of medical training and living expenses,” lamented Commissioner Usman.
With the new bursary framework set to take effect in January 2026, Governor Kefas has aligned the bursary for medical students with the Public Service Salary Scale.
Under this revised structure, preclinical medical students will be placed at Grade Level 5, while clinical medical students will be compensated at Grade Level 7.
“This restructuring has led to a significant increase in the bursary, now reaching up to ₦117,000, thereby providing essential financial support for students engaged in the demanding and resource-intensive field of medical training,” the Commissioner noted.
She further expressed that students, parents, and educational stakeholders have commended Governor Agbu Kefas for this initiative, describing it as a bold, compassionate, and visionary move that alleviates financial pressures, enhances morale, and fosters academic excellence among future healthcare professionals in the state.
“This policy not only supports students and mitigates long-term challenges within Taraba State’s healthcare system but also encourages the cultivation of homegrown medical professionals,” Usman added.
Barrister Zainab concluded by stating, “With this decisive action, Governor Agbu Kefas has reaffirmed this administration’s commitment to prioritizing education, valuing excellence, and building a healthier, more prosperous Taraba State.”
