By Gabriella Ogbu
The Ebonyi State Government has allocated more than two billion Naira to cover the living expenses, research funds, and tuition fees for 597 students who have been awarded state scholarships. The State Scholarship Board has selected Nigerian universities for these students to attend.
Jude Okpor, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, shared this announcement during a Monday briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting. He highlighted that federal employees who meet the scholarship program’s eligibility criteria will also receive paid study leave, in addition to other benefits.
“After the State Scholarship Board’s list of 597 successful candidates for study in Nigerian universities was approved by the Council, EXCO approved over two billion Naira,” Okpor stated. “This sum covers the scholarship recipients’ living expenses, school fees, and research funds. To prevent mismanagement, the research funds will be paid directly to the universities along with the tuition.”
In addition to the scholarship funding, the council has approved the release of funds for the establishment of new universities in the state. “The Council approved the construction of eight faculty and hostel buildings to ensure a smooth start to academic activities at the University of ICT, Oferekpe, Agbaja, and the Aeronautic Engineering University, Ezza,” Okpor announced.
This development follows the State Executive Council’s earlier approval for the erection of these structures, the awarding of contracts, and the release of funds to the winning bidders to commence the projects immediately.
Further, the council has approved the completion of the unfinished Ebonyi Trade Center at Presco Junction, Abakaliki. This project was initiated by Dr. Sam Egwu, the first civilian governor of Ebonyi State. “Council deliberated and approved the completion of the Ebonyi Trade Center following the presentation of a redesigned structure to EXCO,” Okpor explained. “Once completed, it will house the Ebonyi Trade Center and Ebonyi Hotels. The Council has also decided to reclaim all of the Trade Center’s land and instructed the Commissioner for Lands to start the process of reclaiming and protecting the site with a perimeter fence.”
Okpor also revealed that EXCO has approved a new estate in the city center called NNODO EKUMENYI PALM BOULEVARD. “The estate will feature amenities such as shopping centers, banks, civic centers, and other commercial havens. This aligns with His Excellency’s People’s Charter of Needs manifesto, which includes the construction of Smart Cities across the state to elevate the aesthetic standards of the state’s major cities.”
