Ebonyi sends off 2nd batch of foreign postgraduate scholars as Gov Nwifuru reaffirms commitment to human capital development

The Ebonyi State Government has dispatched the second batch of its state-sponsored foreign postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries, with 90 students selected for overseas studies.

 

The scholars were officially sent off during a brief ceremony held on Monday at the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.

 

Speaking at the event, Governor Francis Nwifuru described the occasion as a landmark moment for both the future of Ebonyi State and the destinies of the beneficiaries. He said the scholarship scheme was anchored on the conviction that human capital development remains the strongest driver of sustainable growth.

 

The governor acknowledged that the programme initially faced criticism due to prevailing economic challenges and competing developmental needs. However, he said his administration remained firm in its resolve to invest in young people as a strategic step toward securing the state’s long-term prosperity.

 

Nwifuru reminded the awardees that the scholarship represents a major financial commitment by the state, funded through the collective sacrifice of Ebonyi people. He urged them to see themselves as ambassadors of the state, charged with upholding its values, discipline and culture while abroad.

 

Expressing delight over reports that beneficiaries from the first batch are excelling in reputable universities in the United Kingdom and Canada, the governor said the initiative was deeply personal to him, as it offers opportunities he and many of his contemporaries never had.

 

“This opportunity you are about to enjoy is something many of us never had in our lifetime,” he said. “We walked our path through perseverance and sacrifice. It is on that strength that I decided to give you what we missed, so that your journey will be smoother than ours. That is the true meaning of leadership.”

 

He further charged the scholars to remain disciplined, focused and humble, warning them to avoid any conduct that could bring shame to their families, the state or the programme.

 

Governor Nwifuru also commended the Ministry of Education and the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board for ensuring transparency in the selection process, and prayed for the students’ success and safe return to contribute to the development of the state.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of the Scholarship Board, Chief Chaka Nweze, said the selection of beneficiaries was based strictly on merit. He explained that candidates were required to possess at least a second-class upper degree, with priority given to those with a CGPA of 3.0 and above.

 

Nweze added that transcripts were verified directly from applicants’ institutions, while priority courses included science, mathematics, agriculture and technology. He disclosed that the state government covered the flight tickets for all beneficiaries, noting that 47 scholars have departed, while 43 others will travel later due to visa delays.

 

According to him, about 700 candidates from six universities in the South-East are currently on the state’s postgraduate scholarship list, stressing that beneficiaries are bonded to return and serve Ebonyi State for five years after completing their studies.

 

Dignitaries at the event, including former senators Chris Nwankwo and Sonny Ogbuoji, as well as philanthropist Christian Asaga Nwali, praised the governor for what they described as one of the most impactful investments in the state’s future.

 

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Uchenna Nwangwu expressed gratitude to the governor, describing him as a divine gift to Ebonyi State.