Ignore Fraudulent Bursary Link, Akwa Ibom Government Tells Students
Akwa Ibom Government Disowns Fake Bursary Portal, Warns Students Against Online Fraud
Government Issues Public Advisory Over Fraudulent Application Link
THE Akwa Ibom State Government has warned students and members of the public to disregard a fraudulent online message circulating on social media claiming that applications for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Students Bursary Scheme have commenced.
In a press statement issued on 21st July by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the government described the purported bursary application portal as fake, stressing that it neither originated from the state government nor any of its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The government cautioned prospective applicants against accessing the fraudulent website or submitting personal information through the platform, warning that doing so could expose users to identity theft, financial fraud and other cyber-related crimes.
Government Distances Itself From Viral Social Media Message
According to the statement, the attention of the government was drawn to a social media message bearing the caption, “Akwa Ibom Students Bursary 2026 Application Is Ongoing,” accompanied by an unofficial web link inviting students to register for the bursary programme.
Officials maintained that the message was entirely false and did not represent any official communication from the state government.
The administration stressed that the circulation of fake government portals has become a growing concern, particularly as fraudsters increasingly exploit online platforms to deceive unsuspecting citizens seeking government opportunities and social intervention programmes.
Only Official Government Portal Recognised
To prevent misinformation, the state government clarified that applications for the Akwa Ibom State Students Bursary Scheme are conducted exclusively through its official bursary portal.
Authorities advised students to verify information through recognised government communication channels before responding to any online advertisement or application notice.
The government emphasised that official announcements concerning the commencement of bursary applications would always be disseminated through verified government platforms and authorised public information channels.
Students Warned Against Sharing Personal Information
The government urged applicants to exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar websites, especially those requesting sensitive personal, academic or financial information.
It warned that unauthorised disclosure of such information could result in financial losses, identity theft or data compromise, stressing that the state government would not be responsible for losses arising from engagement with fraudulent websites.
Officials also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious online activities relating to government programmes to the appropriate authorities.
Security Agencies Directed to Investigate
The statement disclosed that relevant security agencies have been directed to investigate those responsible for creating and circulating the fake bursary portal.
Government expressed confidence that those behind the scheme would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with existing laws governing cybercrime, fraud and identity theft.
The administration reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens from criminal activities targeting public programmes and digital government services.
Commitment to Students Reaffirmed
While distancing itself from the fraudulent application portal, the Akwa Ibom State Government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education and supporting indigenous students through legitimate scholarship and bursary initiatives.
The government assured students that official information regarding the commencement of the 2026 bursary application exercise would be released through verified communication channels when the process begins.
Authorities urged students to remain vigilant and rely solely on authentic government sources for information relating to educational support programmes.
