Gold Emmanuel 2 months ago

Kaduna pays N4.7bn inherited debt monthly –Gov Sani

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State says N4.7 billion is being deducted from the state government’s federal allocation every month to offset the debt he inherited.

He said as a result of the debt, he had been receiving half of his salary since resuming office on May 29, 2023 amidst financial challenges in the state.

The governor also explained that he had reduced the performance bonuses and salaries of his commissioners, including that of the Deputy Governor, as part of efforts to cut governance costs and make sacrifices due to the state’s financial challenges.

He disclosed this in an interview clip sighted by Daily Trust in Kaduna on Wednesday.

He stated that his administration was doing everything possible to manage resources, given the debt inherited from the previous administration.

“In Kaduna, we are paying N4.7 billion in debt every month; go and check and see our allocation. You will agree with me that we started paying this debt in June 2023. Currently, what we are receiving is about N8 billion, while we should be receiving around N12 billion compared to what other states are getting within Northern Nigeria.

“We are trying our best to manage what we have. Yes, I agree with you that governance is about reducing costs. Since I became governor, I have maintained that we have not purchased a single vehicle for anyone—whether myself, the Deputy Governor, or my commissioners. We have also reduced the performance bonuses and salaries of our commissioners and the Deputy Governor. Today, I am only receiving half of my salary because we have to make sacrifices, considering the challenges we face,” he said.

The governor further explained, “People may ask about our IGR (Internally Generated Revenue). Our IGR account is with Zenith Bank; you can check it. Every month, Zenith Bank deducts about N800 million at source because I inherited that debt.”

He added that he preferred not to complain about these issues, as he believed that governance is about continuity.

Read Original Article on DailyTrust

Author: Gold Emmanuel

02 Oct 2024 @ 19:34pm

Category: NewsPoint - The News Aggregator

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Scholarships vs. Grants: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

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When it comes to financing your education, the terms "scholarships" and "grants" are often thrown around. They might seem interchangeable, but they aren't quite the same. In fact, understanding the difference between scholarships and grants can be the key to unlocking the funds you need for college. So, which is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Scholarships vs. Grants: What’s the Big Difference?

At their core, both scholarships and grants are forms of financial aid that don’t require repayment, which makes them especially attractive compared to loans. However, they differ in terms of eligibility criteria, purpose, and who provides them.

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Grants: Grants, on the other hand, are primarily need-based. They are awarded based on a student’s financial need as determined by government organizations or colleges. Grants aim to provide financial assistance to students who might not otherwise be able to afford higher education. They are often funded by federal or state governments and certain nonprofit organizations.

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What Are the Benefits of Grants?

Grants also offer several unique advantages:

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Choosing between scholarships and grants depends on your personal circumstances. Here are a few factors to consider:

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If your family’s financial situation makes it difficult to pay for college, grants are a good option to explore. In the U.S., the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is typically used to assess your financial need and determine grant eligibility. Many state and institutional grants also rely on FAFSA information.

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If you excel academically, athletically, or in a specialized skill, scholarships may be the right fit for you. There are scholarships for nearly every area of expertise, from science and technology to arts and humanities. Additionally, if you have a passion for community service or leadership, many scholarships recognize those qualities as well.

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The good news is, you don’t have to choose between scholarships and grants—you can apply for both! Many students receive a combination of merit-based scholarships and need-based grants to cover the cost of their education.

Application Tips: How to Maximize Your Chances of Receiving Scholarships or Grants

Applying for scholarships and grants takes time and effort, but it’s worth it if it can help you avoid student loans. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply for both scholarships and grants? Yes! You can and should apply for both scholarships and grants. Many students use a combination of the two to help cover the cost of college.

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3. Can international students apply for scholarships and grants? Yes, many scholarships are available for international students. However, federal grants (such as the Pell Grant in the U.S.) are typically only available to citizens or permanent residents.

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Invest in Your Future

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Gold Emmanuel Sep 26, 2024 @ 12:45pm

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Kaduna pays N4.7bn inherited debt monthly –Gov Sani

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