No fewer than 930 indigent undergraduate and postgraduate students in Ebonyi State have benefited from a ₦100 million Education Support Fund provided by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi.
The scholarship was disbursed on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, through the senator’s annual foundation scholarship programme aimed at helping financially disadvantaged students continue their education.
Originally designed to support 500 students, the programme was expanded during the event to accommodate 930 beneficiaries in response to the growing economic challenges facing many families.
The funds were paid directly to cover the beneficiaries’ tuition and other academic expenses for the current academic session.
Addressing the students, Senator Nwebonyi urged them to remain committed to their studies, avoid cultism and other social vices, and work towards becoming responsible leaders who will contribute positively to society.
Reflecting on his own educational journey, the lawmaker said he never enjoyed such financial support during his time as a student, stressing that the initiative was created to ensure that talented young people are not forced to abandon their education because of financial hardship.
“As a lawyer, my commitment to my studies laid the foundation for my journey to the Senate,” he said, encouraging beneficiaries to focus on their education and make the most of the opportunity.
He also advised young people to use social media responsibly by promoting constructive dialogue and national development instead of engaging in unnecessary attacks on public officials.
Senator Nwebonyi noted that the scholarship initiative complements the human capital development agenda of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, who recently sponsored more than 1,000 graduates for postgraduate studies within Nigeria and abroad.
Speaking on behalf of the wife of the governor, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwamkpuma, praised the senator for investing in the education and future of young people in the state.
She described the intervention as a significant contribution to youth empowerment and educational development, urging beneficiaries to justify the investment by excelling academically, maintaining good character, and avoiding negative influences.
The scholarship programme is expected to ease the financial burden on hundreds of students while supporting Ebonyi State’s efforts to build a skilled, educated, and self-reliant youth population.
