By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central District at the nation’s upper legislative chamber, has offered scholarship worth N37 million for 223 indigent students from the zone
The beneficiaries who were drawn from different higher institutions in the state received the award for 2024/2025 academic year at Cana House, Awka, the state capital.
Sen Umeh who said that education is the key for the future, as it opens opportunities for unlimited possibilities disclosed that the students were chosen from the 58 communities in the district and other groups.
“These 223 students, many of them are pursuing professional courses in Engineering, Law, Medicine and Accountancy. So, that from this effort we will build a very strong civilised society because education is the only way you can fight poverty, ignorance, wrong attitude and curb crime in the society as well.
“I intend to continue with this, every year i will increase the number so that with these children having proper education, university degrees, the sky will be their limit.
“All of them that are here, none of them will apply for student loan which is in the Senate. Mr President brought a bill for us to pass into law. When the bill came, i was one of the strong supporter of the bill” Senator Umeh said
The Lawmaker noted that the effort was in line with the objective of his Education Foundation established since 2007 to provide succour for brilliant but indigent students, pointing out that the foundation had produced 300 graduates and eight Doctorate Degrees Holders.
While describing the scholarship award as part of his constituency project, he pledged to use his four years tenure to produce more graduates.
Contributing, the Traditional Ruler of Akwaeze Community, Igwe Christopher Okpala, commended Sen Umeh for his good works and making quality education accessible to the children of the poor.
He urged the students to take their studies seriously, since the lawmaker has taken away the burden of school fees from their parents and guardians.
The Chairman, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Anambra State, Chief Emeka Udobeme, described the scholarship award as a critical intervention and commended the lawmaker for the gesture.
Some of the beneficiaries including Nnajidenma Ugochukwu, a Nursing students and Dr Sylvia Okoye, a medical doctor who benefitted from the Foundation, expressed gratitude to God and their benefactor for considering them worthy for the privilege.
Highlights of the ceremony were the electronic disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries.
Ugokwe is of the State Ministry of Information
