The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has commended Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for expanding the state’s United Kingdom scholarship programme, describing it as one of the most impactful human capital development initiatives in the state’s history.
Ogah also praised the Ebonyi scholars studying in the United Kingdom for their outstanding academic performance, saying they had made the state proud by excelling in their respective universities.
The lawmaker noted that the beneficiaries, who formed the first batch of students sponsored by the Nwifuru administration to pursue master’s degrees in the UK last year, had recorded remarkable academic success, with many earning distinctions and excellent grades. Their outstanding performance, he said, prompted the governor to approve full sponsorship for them to proceed with doctoral (PhD) studies.
“I commend the students for not failing, for not disappointing Ebonyians, and for making us proud through their excellent academic performance. They have distinguished themselves in their various universities in the United Kingdom, and I also commend Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for rewarding excellence by upgrading their scholarship to PhD level,” Ogah said.
He described the governor’s decision as a bold investment in the future of Ebonyi State, noting that education remains the most enduring legacy any administration can leave behind.
According to him, the expansion of the UK scholarship programme demonstrates Governor Nwifuru’s unwavering commitment to building a new generation of highly skilled professionals who will drive the state’s development across critical sectors.
Ogah said the initiative had already positioned Ebonyi as one of the few states making significant investments in international postgraduate education, adding that the programme would enhance the state’s global reputation for academic excellence.
The federal lawmaker further applauded the governor for extending similar educational opportunities to over 700 Ebonyi indigenes pursuing postgraduate studies in universities across Nigeria, describing the intervention as a clear demonstration that the Nwifuru administration places premium value on education and human capital development.
He urged the beneficiaries to see the scholarship as a responsibility to the people of Ebonyi, reminding them that public resources were being invested in their education.
“They should remain focused, continue to excel, and remember that this investment is for the benefit of Ebonyi State. When they complete their studies, they should return home and deploy their knowledge, skills and expertise to accelerate the development of our dear state,” he said.
Ogah congratulated Governor Nwifuru for what he described as another landmark achievement in the education sector and commended the scholars for flying the Ebonyi flag high on the global stage.
He expressed confidence that the beneficiaries would continue to justify the confidence reposed in them and return to become catalysts for innovation, growth and sustainable development in Ebonyi State.