By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ugo Magnus Foundation has awarded scholarships to 200 indigent students from Ebonyi State, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to education and investing in human capital development.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Ikwo, Ezza South, Ezza North and Ishielu Local Government Areas, received the scholarships during the Foundation’s 7th Annual Public Lecture and Scholarship Programme held in Abakaliki.
Founder of the Foundation and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Dr. Ugo Magnus, said the initiative was designed to empower young people through education and create opportunities for a brighter future.
He described education as the most enduring form of empowerment, noting that the scholarship programme, which has been sustained for over seven years, was driven by a genuine passion for youth development rather than political ambition.
“The only way to truly empower our community is through education. When you educate people, you equip them to transform their lives, empower others and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Magnus disclosed that the current phase of the programme would support 200 students who would be admitted in batches into partner institutions.
Although he declined to reveal the exact financial outlay, he said the scholarship scheme was worth hundreds of millions of naira, covering tuition and other approved academic expenses.
“This initiative is not about politics. It is about love for Ebonyi people and a sincere desire to reduce the number of out-of-school children. We want to raise future leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and public servants who will make Ebonyi proud,” he added.
He further revealed that more than 500 students across Nigeria had benefited from similar educational interventions through partnerships with other foundations over the years.
Magnus urged successful Nigerians to invest in education, stressing that sustainable development could only be achieved through deliberate investment in human capacity.
“If you lift others, they will lift others too. Let us all become builders of men and women because that is how our communities and our nation can truly grow,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Ebonyi State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, commended Magnus for sustaining the scholarship initiative for seven consecutive years, insisting that the programme predated his senatorial ambition.
She urged the public not to view the intervention as an election strategy, describing it as a demonstration of Magnus’ long-standing commitment to educational development.
“Dr. Ugo Magnus has consistently invested in education for seven consecutive years. He believes that an educated child builds an empowered community. This is not a political stunt but a reflection of his commitment to human capital development,” she said.
Adibe-Nwafor noted that the beneficiaries would enjoy full support covering tuition and other approved academic expenses throughout their studies and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through academic excellence and good character.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, popularly known as Baby-Oku, described the scholarship programme as a life-changing intervention capable of transforming communities.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain focused and determined in their academic pursuits.
“If you are not determined in life, you may not get anywhere. Stay focused on your studies because there is always light at the end of the tunnel for those who persevere,” he said.
Orogwu also called on other wealthy Nigerians to emulate the initiative by investing in education and supporting the less privileged.
Also speaking, Founder of South Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, praised Magnus for his commitment to educational advancement and announced the institution’s readiness to partner with the Ugo Magnus Foundation in expanding access to quality education.
“We are proud to partner with Dr. Ugo Magnus because what he is doing is remarkable. Education should prepare young people not only academically but also practically for leadership, entrepreneurship and national development,” James said.
He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity by embracing innovation, entrepreneurship and practical knowledge to prepare for future challenges.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Oluchi Mgbebu and Favour Nwonuchukwu from Ikwo Local Government Area, Abia Ezzinne from Ishielu Local Government Area and Chibuike from Ezza North, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for the opportunity and pledged to excel in their studies.
The scholarship presentation, themed “Empowering the Next Generation Through Education, Leadership and Innovation,” formed part of the Ugo Magnus Foundation’s annual intervention aimed at promoting educational access and empowering young Nigerians through sustained investment in human capital.