Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved a significant upward review of bursaries paid to medical students in the state, increasing the amount from as low as ₦5,000 to ₦117,000.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Barrister Zainab Usman Jalingo, who described the move as a landmark intervention in the education and health sectors.
According to the commissioner, the bursary increase represents a major shift in government investment in critical human capital development, particularly in the health sector, which she noted has long been underserved.
“Before this intervention, medical students were subjected to grossly inadequate stipends, with pre-clinical students receiving ₦5,000 and clinical students ₦8,000—amounts that fell far below the realities of medical training and living costs,” she said.
She explained that with effect from January 2026, the governor approved a new bursary structure tied to the Public Service Salary Scale. Under the revised framework, pre-clinical medical students are now placed on Grade Level 5, while clinical medical students are placed on Grade Level 7.
“This revised structure has resulted in a substantial increase, with bursaries now reaching up to ₦117,000, providing meaningful financial support for students undergoing the demanding and resource-intensive process of medical training,” Jalingo added.
She noted that the policy has been widely welcomed by students, parents, and education stakeholders, who have praised Governor Kefas for what they described as a bold, compassionate, and visionary decision that eases financial burdens, boosts morale, and promotes academic excellence.
The commissioner further stated that the initiative is expected to strengthen Taraba State’s healthcare system by encouraging the training and retention of homegrown medical professionals.
“With this decisive action, Governor Agbu Kefas has once again demonstrated that this administration prioritizes education, values excellence, and is committed to building a healthier and more prosperous Taraba State,” she said.
