The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John is to disburse the sum of N12 million as scholarship grant to 133 indigenes of Oruk Anam Local Government Area studying in different tertiary institutions in Nigeria, with CGPA of 3.5/5.0, or, 2.75/4.0 and other requirements.
The scholarship grant, under Pastor Umo Eno Academic Excellence Educational Support Grant (AEESG), is to be spread across different categories of undergraduates and post graduates from the local government area studying in any recognised tertiary institution.
Announcing the launch of the initiative at a press conference on Monday in Uyo, the Chancellor of Ekem Emmanuel John Foundation, sponsor of the scholarship grant, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, said the initiative came forth in line with The ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno to empower and support students from Oruk Anam who are studying in recognised higher institutions in the country.
He added that considering the place of education in all round development of a society, and the understanding of how scholarship empowerment to students could solve problems, offer solutions, ease burdens, and transform human society, it became increasingly expedient for the Foundation to turn its attention to education.
“ When we talk about empowerment, it should be what it is; it should have capacity to ameliorate problems, solve problems, mitigate problems and offer solutions.”
The Foundation’s Chancellor, who is also the Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Akwa Ibom State, corroborated Governor Umo Eno’s statement recently that he ( the governor) had empowered his appointees, and therefore, the Chancellor reasoned that it would be proper for them to also empower others in return.
“ His Excellency has empowered his appointees, and it would be only fair that they empower others. It is in the light of that our principal who is the Chancellor of Ekem Emmanuel John Foundation – Dr. Ekem Emmanuel has authorized the Foundation to have this interaction with the press; to inform the press about pending series of empowerment that will be happening in Oruk Anam Local Government Area”.
He further averred that as someone who had benefited from scholarship grant while studying in the university, supporting students at different levels of education with finances for better opportunities upon graduation, was the only way to express gratitude to God and reward excellence in learning.
Dr. John said considering the need to expand the scholarship programme to accommodate more students at different levels of learning with good CGPA, he had to assemble his friends whom he acknowledged assisted in putting together the N12 million for scholarship grant.
The Commissioner however allayed fears in some quarters that the scholarship programme might likely be made to favour certain individuals who are connected, explaining that the Foundation had already set up a team of academics who would look at all applications and select successful candidates strictly based on merit.
The Foundation’s Chancellor therefore, advised students from Oruk Anam extraction who have the requirements to apply.
Read the leaflet below for more information.
