By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Amari Omaka Chukwu, has disclosed that the quick and strategic intervention of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru saved Ebonyi State University (EBSU) from imminent collapse.
The governor also extended his education support to law students in the state.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki on Monday, Prof. Omaka narrated how years of neglect, underfunding, and mass exodus of lecturers had brought the institution to the brink of failure before Governor Nwifuru’s administration stepped in with critical reforms and financial support.
“We had a university that was suffering deeply. Lecturers were poorly paid and owed several months in salary arrears. During the COVID-19 era, salaries were slashed by 20%, and retirees were left in hardship. Even those with first-class degrees were left unmotivated, searching for jobs without support,” Prof. Omaka stated.
According to him, the administration of Governor Nwifuru took swift action after being briefed on the dire condition of EBSU. The first step was increasing the university’s monthly subvention from ₦150 million—of which ₦30 million was deducted to service debt—leaving only ₦120 million for operations. The governor increased the subvention to ₦200 million, and later to ₦280 million, ensuring that staff salaries are now fully paid.
Massive Salary Review and Promotions
“Beyond clearing salary arrears, the governor approved a 20% salary increase for academic staff and 10% for non-academic staff. In a landmark policy to retain talent, the government also£ in Ikwo, similar strides are being made. Subvention has been increased from ₦50 million to ₦65 million. Infrastructure upgrades, including internal road construction and street lighting, are underway, aligning with the administration’s vision to elevate standards across all tertiary institutions.
Digital Transformation and Student Welfare
“Efforts are ongoing to digitize ₦academic records and processes such as transcript applications, reducing reliance on paper files. Transportation support was also extended to students and staff through the provision of buses, aimed at cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
Support for Law Students
The governor’s generosity extends to law students. All Ebonyi State law students heading to the Nigerian Law School receive a ₦300,000 grant to cover part of the heavy costs associated with the program. Those called to the bar last year also received support for purchasing gowns and other necessities. Additionally, the governor awarded automatic PhD scholarships to his alma mater’s Law Faculty graduates.
“Since His Excellency assumed office, he has remained passionate about improving tertiary education. Some of these initiatives are even his ideas. That’s why he created the Ministry of Tertiary Education—to ensure focus and sustained transformation,” Prof. Omaka concluded.
Thanks to Governor Nwifuru’s proactive leadership, Ebonyi State University and other state-owned institutions are not only surviving—they are being repositioned for excellence and global relevance” He said