By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), has pledged to establish a ₦2 billion scholarship and student support scheme for indigent students of Benue origin if elected governor.
Aondoakaa made the pledge on Monday in Makurdi while speaking with journalists on his plans and development agenda for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He said the proposed scheme would provide financial assistance to qualified Benue students in tertiary institutions, ensuring that no student is forced to abandon higher education because of financial difficulties.
According to him, beneficiaries would be required to repay only reasonable portions of the assistance after graduation and upon securing employment.
The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said the initiative would be modelled after the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with necessary adjustments to address the peculiar educational needs of Benue students.
Aondoakaa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing NELFUND, describing the scheme as a significant intervention that has widened access to higher education for Nigerian youths.
He said his proposed scholarship programme would combine financial support with accountability while equipping beneficiaries to contribute to the economic and social development of the state after graduation.
Beyond education, the PDP candidate promised to run a people-oriented administration with emphasis on infrastructure development, particularly in rural communities.
He expressed concern over what he described as the weakening of the local government system despite the Supreme Court judgment affirming local government autonomy.
Aondoakaa argued that the situation had limited the capacity of elected council officials to initiate and execute projects capable of improving the living conditions of residents.
He also linked poor rural infrastructure, particularly bad roads, to the worsening security situation in some parts of the state, noting that inaccessible roads could hinder the rapid deployment of security personnel during emergencies.
The governorship hopeful accused the state government of uneven distribution of development projects, arguing that excessive concentration of infrastructure in Makurdi and other urban centres had left many rural communities behind.
He also faulted the current administration over its handling of issues surrounding the proposed earmarking of Benue land for public ranching.
Aondoakaa maintained that while Nigerians have constitutional rights to freedom of movement and lawful economic activities, such activities must be carried out in accordance with existing laws.
He promised to establish an open-door administration that would make government more accessible to citizens and encourage greater participation in governance.
The PDP candidate further pledged to grant full autonomy to local governments if elected, saying this would decentralise governance and improve service delivery in healthcare, education, agriculture and rural development.
He said his administration would ensure equitable distribution of development projects across the state, with priority given to programmes capable of directly improving the welfare and economic prospects of the people.
Aondoakaa said his development agenda would be anchored on security, quality education, agricultural revival, improved healthcare and inclusive governance, with the ultimate goal of restoring Benue’s development potential and creating opportunities for its citizens.
