Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has called on the newly enrolled indigenous students under the state scholarship scheme to serve as ambassadors of the state.
Gov. Nwifuru made this known during the flag-off ceremony of the Ebonyi State 2024/2025 scholarship programme (foreign and local) held at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke.
The governor reminded the beneficiaries, particularly those on foreign scholarships, of their dual role as students and representatives of Ebonyi State.
He urged them to be conscious of their words, actions, and achievements, as these reflect the collective identity of the Ebonyi people.
He emphasized the importance of graduating on time and returning to the state to apply their expertise in their fields of specialization.
The governor warned against toeing the path of some scholars who failed to contribute meaningfully to the state after benefiting from such programmes.
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He encouraged the students to focus on academic excellence, network building, and channeling their skills, innovative ideas and experiences into transforming critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and technological sector in Ebonyi State.
Gov. Nwifuru also expressed gratitude to key contributors to the success of the scholarship programme, including the Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema, the Ebonyi State Ministry of Tertiary Education led by Prof. Amari Omaka, and the State Scholarship Board headed by Chaka Nweze.
He noted that the scholarship initiative aligns with his administration’s manifesto, aimed at strengthening literacy and human capital development.
Out of the 1, 000 beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, 204 students are traveling to the United Kingdom for master’s and Ph.D. programmes, while others are to pursue their academics in local institutions across Nigeria.
This initiative marks a significant step in empowering Ebonyi youths and fostering development through education.
