RELISHING GOVERNOR NWIFURU’S FOREIGN AND LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

WRITTEN BY TONY NWIZI, THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, EBBC

At 6am local time on Sunday 19th January 2025, the first batch of the 204 Ebonyi State indigenes on foreign scholarship arrived Heathrow Airport London, United Kingdom from Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Ọnụeke. Subsequent batches have since left the state according to their flight schedules with all now in their various Universities in the UK for their Masters and Ph.Ds.

About 560 others whose admissions are ready have also started enjoying their local scholarship with its full benefits. The remaining 140 to join later to make up the 700 screened for the local scholarship. This is a fall out of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s The People’s Charter of Needs Agenda in Ebonyi State which places education at priority list.

The decision of the Governor to send over 204 graduates to the United Kingdom and another 700 to local universities for further studies represents a significant and commendable initiative aimed at investing in human capital of the state.

The full financial support for these graduates to pursue Masters and Ph.D. programs is a powerful gesture that will transform the socio-economic landscape of Ebonyi State in several positive ways. Little wonder, the move has generated widespread praise for its potential to lift families from poverty.

The Governors initiative directly addresses the critical issue of access to higher education as one of the most effective ways to empower individuals and break the cycle of poverty. Higher education, particularly at the masters and doctoral levels, enhances employability and increases earning potential. For the over 904 scholarship students, this represents a rare opportunity to achieve upward social mobility with ripple financial effect on their families.

By investing in higher education, the Governor is helping to build the human capital necessary for the state’s sustainable economic growth. Masters and Ph.D. programs are designed to equip students with specialized knowledge and advanced skills that are critical for innovation and leadership in various fields. As beneficiaries complete their studies, they will be better positioned to contribute to the state’s development.

The graduates will gain expertise in areas that are directly relevant to the needs of Ebonyi States economy. For instance, students in fields like agriculture, engineering, education, and health can apply their newfound knowledge to help modernize the states industries and public services thereby driving technological advancements, increased efficiency in agriculture, contribute to healthcare innovations, and help to improve governance and policy-making. This will boost the overall productivity and strengthen Ebonyi industries.

The dual approach of sending a significant number of students to local universities and others to overseas will ensure that while some gain international exposure, others remain within the country, contributing directly to local development.

Indeed, the full financial support and investment in their education would encourage the overseas beneficiaries to return to Ebonyi State after completing their studies thus guarding against brain drain.

The over 204 graduates going abroad for their studies will gain valuable exposure to global best practices, research, and innovative technologies that can be applied when they return home. This international experience would enhance the global competitiveness of Ebonyi State. As these graduates build international networks and gain new perspectives, they can bring fresh ideas and potential collaborations and linkages back to the state thereby increasing Ebonyi standing in global community, attracting foreign investment and partnerships that would further fuel economic development.

Beyond the immediate benefits for the students and their families, the Governors initiative would generate significant long-term socio-economic benefits for the entire state. The multiplier effect of having a more educated populace cannot be over-emphasized. When the over 904 graduates complete their studies, the state will have more skilled workforce in various sectors, stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship, new businesses, new technologies and improve public service. Over time, this would lead to a more diversified and resilient economy, with greater opportunities for wealth generation and poverty reduction.

The Governor’s initiative is likely to have a positive psychological impact on the people of Ebonyi State as seeing the government invest in the education of its youth sends a powerful message about the value of education and its potentials to change lives. It will inspire not just the 904 graduates but also future generations to pursue higher education and aspire to professional excellence.

The Governors decision to fund post graduate studies for a significant number of students is a demonstration of a long-term vision for the state’s growth. It reflects a commitment to creating a more educated and skilled populace capable of addressing challenges and contributing to effective governance. This investment will serve as a catalyst to improving the quality of local universities and academic institutions. Stronger local universities will, in turn, attract more students from other states, generate additional revenue and increase the states influence in the higher education sector.

The scholarship scheme which is unprecedented in the history of the country holds immense potentials for Ebonyi state. The broader impact on the state’s economy will be transformative. This initiative is an investment in human capital, education, and international collaboration, all of which will have long-lasting positive effects on the state’s economic development, social mobility, and governance. If managed strategically, it is going to significantly improve the prospects of the Ebonyi people and pave the way for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years to come.

May God help the beneficiaries whose cost of travels, studies and personal effects have been paid in full, to live up to expectations.

Congratulations to the families and friends of the beneficiaries whose hopes have been renewed for a greener pasture.

Kudos to Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for being focused and pragmatic with his clear-cut agenda for Ebonyi State. You have taken an indelible step and prosperity will reward you, Your Excellency.