Philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals in Nigeria have been encouraged to invest in the education of indigent but brilliant students to help secure a better future for them.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process and Public Procurement, Dr Oluebube Chukwu stated this, Friday while speaking to National Ambassador on the sidelines of Governor Alex Otti’s recent scholarship award to 46 students studying in various universities across the country.
Dr Chukwu who lauded the Governor’s initiative, described it as transformation and a forward-thinking investment in the future of the youths.
He added that the move would not only improve access to education but also alleviate the financial burdens faced by many brilliant but indigent students.
“Governor Otti’s intervention is a shining example of what leadership should be. It’s not just about infrastructure or politics; it’s about people.
“Investing in the education of brilliant, indigent students is a long-term strategy for the progress of our society”, Dr Chukwu remarked.
He further emphasized the importance of building a strong educational foundation, noting that education remains the key to unlocking the potential of youths and driving societal growth.
As part of his contribution to this cause, Dr Chukwu highlighted the efforts of his own foundation; the Oluebube A. Chukwu Foundation (OACF), which has granted academic scholarships to over 26 indigent students from across the three senatorial zones of Abia State.
He said the OACF in addition to scholarships, has also donated school bags, books, and other learning materials to support the students’ education and pointed out that mothers of these indigent students have also benefited from start-up capital provided by the foundation.
“We understand that to truly support a child’s education, we must also empower their families. That is why we have made it a priority to offer start-up capital to the mothers of the students and ensue they have the means to cater to their families“, Dr Chukwu added.
He disclosed that the scholarships provided by the OACF cover the cost of education for one full academic year, with the opportunity for renewal based on the students’ academic performance.
Dr Chukwu who encouraged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and strive for academic excellence, reaffirmed commitment to the educational advancement of youths, stating that education remains the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty.
He also pledged that the OACF would continue to expand its outreach to support more indigent students in the coming years and expressed optimism that it would go a long way in building a brighter future for the state and the nation at large.
He therefore called on other philanthropists and corporate bodies in Nigeria to channel their resources towards supporting the next generation of leaders by offering scholarships, grants, and mentorship opportunities to less privileged students.
