Nwifuru sends 98 Ebonyi scholars to UK for postgraduate study under a fully funded state scholarship scheme

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Monday formally sent forth 98 beneficiaries of the state government’s scholarship scheme to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom under the programme’s second phase.

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The inauguration took place at the Chuba Okadigbo International and Cargo Airport, Ezza, where Francis Nwifuru offered prayers and addressed the scholars during a brief ceremony marking what officials described as a significant milestone in the state’s educational advancement.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa, who said the second batch builds on an earlier intervention that has already recorded notable academic success.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Francis Nwifuru described the scholars as his children and urged them to excel in their studies and return home to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State.

Francis Nwifuru said he released the scholars with love and prayer as a father and with confidence and hope as governor, asking that they justify the trust reposed in them by the state.

The governor explained that the scholarship initiative was inspired by personal experience and a commitment to inclusive leadership, noting that the opportunity he lacked in the past is now being created for others through deliberate policy.

Leo Oketa stated that 92 of the 98 beneficiaries are scheduled to depart in batches within the week, while six will travel in September in line with the commencement of their academic programmes.

Leo Oketa added that the current phase follows an earlier landmark initiative in which 204 Ebonyians were sponsored to pursue Master’s and PhD programmes in the United Kingdom just over a year ago. Many of the first batch, he said, completed their programmes with distinctions and strong academic records.

The statement noted that the scholarship package covers tuition, accommodation, and living allowances to ensure beneficiaries can focus on their studies without distraction.

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Officials said the programme is designed as a structured roadmap for building a knowledgeable and globally competitive Ebonyi State through sustained investment in human capital.