Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Monday sent forth the second batch of beneficiaries of the state government’s scholarship scheme, as they pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa, the state government said the inauguration of the second batch marked “another historic milestone in the educational advancement of Ebonyi State.”
The governor offered prayers at the Chuba Okadigbo International and Cargo Airport, Ezza, during the formal inauguration of 98 Ebonyians selected under the second phase of the programme.
Addressing the scholars, Nwifuru described them as his children and charged them to excel academically and return home to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State.
“As a father, I release you today with love and prayer.
“As your governor, I send you forth with confidence and hope. I pray God to guide you on your journey, protect you in a foreign land, grant you excellence in your study, and bring you back home safely and triumphantly,” the governor said.
He urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by the state.
The governor explained that the scholarship initiative was born out of his personal experience and commitment to inclusive leadership.
“I made a solemn decision of giving you what I did not have.
“The opportunity I missed, I will create for others. Where my journey was rough, yours should be smoother. That is the true meaning of leadership and the true essence of fatherhood,” Nwifuru said.
Oketa also said the 98 beneficiaries comprise the second batch of the state’s overseas scholarship programme, with 92 scholars scheduled to depart in batches within the week, while six will travel in September in line with the commencement of their academic programmes.
“This development builds upon the landmark initiative launched just over a year ago by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who sponsored 204 Ebonyians to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes in the United Kingdom,” the statement said.
Oketa noted that the investment has already yielded positive results.
“Many of the first batch of Master’s degree beneficiaries completed their programmes with distinctions and academic excellence,” he said.
The statement added that the scholarship package covers tuition, accommodation and living allowances, a structure designed to ensure beneficiaries “excel without distraction.”
“This initiative is not a one-off intervention but a structured roadmap for building a knowledgeable, competitive and globally attuned Ebonyi State,” the statement said.
The state government reiterated that the programme reflects a long-term strategy to strengthen human capital and position Ebonyi State for sustainable socio-economic development.
