Magnus Chinedum Nkah, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, has given each of more than 60 university students from Ivo Local Government Area an Ebonyi bursary worth ₦50,000. The scheme aims to make schooling easier to reach. It also aims to ease the money worries of students. It was formally launched at the main offices of the Ivo Local Government Council in Isiaka.
The awards, made through the commissioner's yearly bursary scheme, together amount to millions of naira in help for students from the area.
Why the Ebonyi bursary was introduced
Speaking at the event where the money was handed out, Nkah said the programme, the Ebonyi bursary, had been created to support the education schemes run under Governor Francis Nwifuru. It especially backs the state's spending on human capital development.
He explained that "the bursary scheme was conceived as a practical intervention to support indigent students and assist them in meeting some of their academic and personal financial obligations."
Nkah reaffirmed his pledge to support the education plans of the Ebonyi government. He also thanked Governor Nwifuru for the opportunity to play a part in improving the area where he comes from.
In his view, putting money into education remains vital for empowering young people, brightening their prospects and building up the state's human capital base.
More students to benefit
The commissioner also assured that more Ivo students would benefit in later stages of the scheme, saying" the number of beneficiaries would be expanded in the next disbursement."
Reactions to the scheme
Mr Michael Anyim, Chairman of Ivo Local Government Council, and Mr Chinasa Okorie, Coordinator of Akaeze Development Centre, praised the state official behind the scheme. They described it as "timely support for students grappling with the financial demands of tertiary education."
In their view, the money would go some way towards covering the beneficiaries' education costs. They further urged other holders of public office to take up schemes that bring direct improvements to the welfare of the people they represent.
Master Chijioke Nwokocha and Chidiebere Onyeabor, two of the recipients, thanked Nkah for stepping in. Both promised to spend the money wisely in support of their studies.
Who attended the ceremony
The ceremony attracted a range of guests from across Ivo Local Government Area:
- senior officials of the council at local level
- community stakeholders
- town union leaders
- students from different areas of Ivo Local Government Area
