Velocity Awards ₦10 Million Scholarships to 100 Gombe Students Studying Outside State

Velocity Awards ₦10 Million Scholarships to 100 Gombe Students Studying Outside State

By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe

The Velocity Humanitarian Foundation has disbursed ₦10 million in scholarships to 100 indigent students of Gombe State studying in higher institutions outside the state, as part of its commitment to expanding access to education and easing the financial burden on students.

The beneficiaries, drawn from different local government areas of Gombe State, each received ₦100,000 under the Foundation’s Educational Support Scheme (ESS), an initiative funded by philanthropist and founder of the Foundation, Engineer Aliyu Muhammad Kombat.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony on behalf of the founder, the chairman of the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation, Adamu Aliyu Ibrahim, said the organisation has consistently invested in education, healthcare and other humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the lives of residents.

“As you can see, the foundation has been rendering many services in our community. We have been paying school fees for students and settling medical bills for our citizens, among other interventions,” Ibrahim said.

He explained that the latest intervention was designed to support Gombe indigenes pursuing their education outside the state.

“We gave scholarships to 100 students, with each beneficiary receiving ₦100,000, making a total of ₦10 million. This support is specifically for Gombe State indigenes studying in institutions outside the state,” he stated.

Ibrahim disclosed that the foundation had earlier settled tuition fees for students of Gombe State University and Federal University Kashere during the 2024/2025 academic session.

“We paid the school fees of students in Gombe State University and the Federal University, Kashere, for the 2024/2025 academic session. The intervention amounted to about ₦280 million for students who could not afford their fees,” he revealed.

According to him, the selection process for the latest beneficiaries was based on proof of studentship rather than academic performance or formal applications.

“The beneficiaries were screened with their documents to confirm they are genuine students. This scholarship is not based on application or merit. Once you are a verified student from Gombe State, you qualify for consideration,” he explained.

He noted that the initiative was introduced after numerous requests from Gombe students studying in other parts of the country who felt left out of previous educational interventions.

“Many students outside the state kept calling us, saying they had seen the Foundation supporting students within Gombe and asking when it would be their turn. That informed our decision to extend the programme to them,” Ibrahim said.

Speaking on the motivation behind the foundation’s educational interventions, Ibrahim said the founder has always been passionate about giving back to society.

“The founder has always asked how he could help his people. Even many years ago, we discussed that when the opportunity came, we would dedicate ourselves to supporting those in need. Today, that vision is becoming a reality,” he added.

He urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the financial assistance by focusing on their studies and preparing themselves to become responsible citizens capable of contributing to society.

“We expect them to use this support wisely, complete their education successfully and become people who will also help others in the future,” he said.

Also speaking, a member of the Foundation’s Community Committee, Abubakar Dazaria, described the initiative as a significant investment in the future of Gombe State.

“This is a special programme organised by the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation under the leadership of Engineer Aliyu Muhammad Kombat. It is an Educational Support Scheme designed to assist Gombe State indigenes studying outside the state,” Dazaria said.

He explained that beneficiaries were selected from various local government areas after verification of their academic records and studentship.

“Today’s disbursement of ₦10 million is just one phase of the programme.” The Educational Support Scheme is a continuous intervention, and subsequent batches will be implemented based on the decision of the Foundation’s founder,” he added.

Dazaria said the initiative reflects the foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting education and complementing government efforts to improve access to higher learning for young people in Gombe State.