Nwebonyi Expands Scholarship Scheme to N100m, Boosts Beneficiaries to 930

From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, on Tuesday expanded his annual scholarship scheme for indigent undergraduate and postgraduate students from 500 to 930 beneficiaries, with the total value of the programme now reaching N100 million.
The scholarship initiative, which began over a decade ago during Senator Nwebonyi’s tenure as Chairman of the Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has continued to grow in scope and impact. The latest expansion is aimed at ensuring that more financially disadvantaged students are able to remain in school and complete their academic programmes without interruption.
Speaking during the official presentation of scholarship cheques to the beneficiaries, Senator Nwebonyi said the increase in the number of beneficiaries was necessitated by additional applications from qualified indigent students.
According to him, “The scholarship programme initially catered for 500 students. It was later increased to over 800, and while the process was ongoing, another batch of more than 100 qualified students submitted their applications. We decided to accommodate them, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 930.
“What I expect from them is seriousness in their studies because, during my own time, I never had this kind of opportunity. I did not benefit from any scholarship or financial support.
“Today, things have changed. People like us are determined to ensure that indigent students do not drop out of school because of financial challenges.
“That is why we increased the number from 500 to over 800 students, and when another list of over 100 qualified applicants came in, we decided to include them as well.
“With the support of my friends, well-wishers and supporters, we have been able to set aside these funds for this purpose. I urge the beneficiaries to make good use of this opportunity, remain committed to their education, and stay away from cultism and other social vices.”he said.
The lawmaker urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their academic pursuits, stressing that education remains the surest pathway to leadership, personal development and national progress.
“They should devote themselves to their studies—from the classroom to their reading desks. That was the path I followed, and today I am a lawyer and a member of the Senate.
“Our expectation is that tomorrow we will have leaders who are even better than we are because we have given these young people a golden opportunity to excel,” he added.
Senator Nwebonyi also advised the students to use social media responsibly, urging them to avoid spreading misinformation, instigating crises or engaging in unnecessary attacks on leaders.
He encouraged them to promote constructive engagement, good governance and national development.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, described the scholarship scheme as a strategic investment in the future of Ebonyi youths.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwamkpuma, the Governor’s wife said the initiative reflects Senator Nwebonyi’s unwavering commitment to human capital development and complements the education and empowerment programmes being implemented by the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
She commended the senator for expanding the scholarship scheme despite prevailing economic challenges, noting that the initiative would not only ease the financial burden on families but also encourage academic excellence among young people across the state.
Mrs. Nwifuru urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by maintaining good academic records, exhibiting exemplary character and contributing positively to the development of Ebonyi State and the nation at large.