Ndidiamaka EdeStudents from Isi-Uzo Local Government Area in Enugu State have called for speedy release of ₦8.7 million offered by the Executive Chairman, Barr. Obiora Obaegu, as bursary awards for their welfare in school.
Hon. Obaegu offered ₦8,750,000 as bursary awards to 350 Isi-Uzo students studying in higher institutions across Nigeria.
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These 350 students are registered under the National Association of Isi-Uzo Students (NAIS), an association encompassing Isi-Uzo students studying in various institutions including the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu (FCE), Institution of Management and Technology (IMT) among others.
On Thursday, October 26, 2023, Hon. Obaegu promised to offer bursary awards to Isi-Uzo students studying in UNN during his visit to the institution on the occasion of the cultural event organized by the UNN chapter of NAIS. He had also made similar Promises on Oct 6, 2022 and August 23, 2023 respectively at IMT.
On Monday, February 26, 2024, a cheque totaling ₦8,750,000.00 (8 million, seven hundred and fifty thousand naira) was presented to the 350 students who traveled from different schools to the Isi-Uzo Local council secretariat, facilitated by chapter presidents.
According to the chairman, each student is entitled to #25, 000.00.
Addressing the students at the local government headquarters in Ikem, the chairman thanked the students’ body (NAIS) and its members for their participation in the initiative, promising more projects in future. He explained that the reason for the bursary award is to mitigate economic hardship faced by Isi-Uzo students.
Having been a student himself and studied law at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, the chairman emphasized the value of education and encouraged the students to utilise the support provided.
“I was once a student, I read law in UNN. Passing through school taught me a lot, because I was raised by parents who value education so much, I learnt that education is the key for societal development. I know that if you people do well academically; it is going to help our community move from rural to Semi Urban area.
“So no matter how little what I gave you is, use it to at least get a handout. I am glad to have fulfilled my promise today. I am happy that you are happy. We are going to do more.” Bar. Obaegu stated.
The chairman encouraged the students to never give up no matter the situation. He advised them to always have tomorrow in their minds as that will help them continue pushing.
“Thank you for your unity, organization and partnership, we will continue to do more,” he reiterated.
During an interview with Prime Business Africa correspondent, the chairman revealed that the journey so far has been a tough one because the administration is currently running so many projects, some of which are the new secretariat constructed at the headquarters to be commissioned soon, and roads under constructions.
The council chairman made it clear that his mission and vision is moving Isi-Uzo from a rural setting to a developed one.
The Special Adviser to the Chairman on Students’ Affairs, who is also the immediate past president of NAIS, UNN chapter, Hon. Stephen Ugwu, expressed gratitude to the chairman for his support. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him, so that he will continue to bless the students.
However, in an interview on Thursday, some Isi-Uzo students who were present when the cheque was presented, siad they yet to recieve the money four days after. They thanked the chairman for the award and pleaded that the money be released as soon as possible to enable them use it for their financial needs, given current economic hardship in the country.
They appealed to Hon. Obaegu and the S.A. on Students’ affairs to expedite the payment process.
National President of NAIS, Longinus Ani, thanked the chairman for the kind gesture and that God will continue to bless him supporting students.
“Meanwhile, the students are on my neck asking when the payment will be made. On behalf of NAIS members, I am pleading that we know what is holding the payment” Comrade Ani added.
Also, one of NAIS members, a final year student and the President, National Association of Plant Science and Biotechnology Students (NAPSBS) UNN, stated that the executive chairman and the S.A has done noble and they are counting on them to use their good offices to complete the good work they have started.
“This is the 3rd day and we are still expectant. What I have to tell the council chairman and his SA on students’ affairs is nothing but thanks for the good gesture extended to students of Isi-uzo extraction in our tertiary institutions.
“And also a plea to ensure that the bursary department be made to proceed immediately to disburse the funds because the promise and evidence of signed cheque has made the expectation of students high,” he stated.
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