Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has promised to increase the annual bursary for students in public tertiary institutions from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 if re-elected for a second term in 2027.

Eno made the pledge during a fireside chat on Wednesday, the second day of the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference, held at Ibom Hall in Uyo, the state capital.

The governor said the proposed increase would take effect if he won the February 2027 governorship election and was sworn in for another term on May 29, 2027.

He explained that the initiative was aimed at easing the financial burden on students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, and helping them meet their educational expenses.

According to him, the state government has already increased the annual bursary to ₦50,000 for each eligible student but plans to raise the amount significantly in his second term.

Eno also pledged to sustain free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary school levels.

The governor urged beneficiaries of the ₦50m Ibom Ignite business grant to invest the funds in their businesses rather than spend the money on personal enjoyment or unproductive ventures.

Describing the grant as seed capital for business development, he advised the beneficiaries to manage the funds prudently to improve their livelihoods and build sustainable enterprises.

On his administration’s social welfare programmes, Eno disclosed that more than 500 Compassionate Homes had been built for vulnerable residents across the state’s 31 local government areas.

He added that each beneficiary had also received a ₦500,000 business grant to support economic independence and improve household income.

The governor promised to construct an additional 1,000 Compassionate Homes and provide corresponding business grants across the state’s wards if re-elected in 2027.