Akwa Ibom: The State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, in furtherance of his commitment to quality education and academic excellence among students recently supported some five hundred (500) indigent students of Akwa Ibom with the sum of two hundred thousand naira, each, to help meet their financial obligations for the 2021/2022 academic session.
Speaking during the presentation of cheques at the Ministry of Education in Uyo, Governor Emmanuel remarked that the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to promote education in the state, adding that the scholarships will be done annually.
A review done by the scholarship committee reveals a total of 1,665 online entries were received. Of these, 1,192 applicants passed the first round of the screening and were subsequently invited for an ICT-based aptitude test.
In a remarkable academic feat, Comrade Emmanuel Enensi, a Deaf applicant was among the 500 applicants who scored the highest grades and eventually qualified for the scholarship during the inaugural 2021/2022 edition.
Com Emmanuel Enensi with Commissioner of Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet
Enensi, a second year student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education commended Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet and the State Scholarship Board for painstakingly ensuring transparency of the process.
Enensi said “the several tests of knowledge involved ensured emergence of the best eggheads from various citadels of learning in the State”. Enensi promised to be consistent in his academics even as he continues to set the pace for excellence within the University and beyond.
He appealed to the State Government to prioritize students with disabilities in subsequent scholarship schemes.
According to him, “Special needs students in our universities, colleges and polytechnics should be given priority in scholarship schemes so they too can meet their financial obligations”.
He called on the State Government to put special needs education at the top of its agenda – adding that they should also be considered for overseas scholarships.
Inclusive News Network reports that the scholarships was approved and awarded to indigent students studying in public universities across the State by his excellency, Governor Emmanuel Udom at a State Executive Council meeting held on 27th June, 2022.