The member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, has awarded scholarships to 237 students undertaking the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).
This initiative, executed through the Chimaobi Sam Atu Foundation, benefited students from 28 schools within the constituency.
During the award presentation held on Tuesday in Enugu, Atu highlighted that the purpose of the scholarship scheme is to “bring out the best in students, encourage the exceptional ones to pursue their academic goals, promote a conducive academic culture, and alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by parents.”
He expressed his commitment to fostering academic excellence at the grassroots level, an endeavour that he is deeply passionate about, and mentioned that further educational initiatives would be forthcoming for his constituents.
The lawmaker also announced plans to provide a second round of scholarships next week to indigent students with special circumstances who applied but did not qualify based on merit.
“Today, I am thrilled to see my vision of promoting education and a strong academic culture at the grassroots level becoming a reality. It has always been my desire to bring smiles to the faces of those in need of education by offering them support to achieve their aspirations for a better society.
“What we are doing today sends a message to all students aspiring to further their education: with determination and seriousness, they can achieve their goals. This scholarship initiative specifically targets students who excel academically, providing them with the opportunity to advance their education.”
He assured that the Foundation would organise another scholarship soon to accommodate those deserving indigent students who did not meet the merit requirements.
He encouraged those students who did not receive scholarships to maintain their belief in themselves, assuring them that a bright future awaits.
In his address, Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, Head of the Education Board Committee of the Foundation and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, mentioned that the selection process began with an exam conducted on 16th November 2024, from which the top 237 SS3 students were chosen purely on merit.
“It is essential to emphasise that the examination results were the primary basis for selecting scholarship recipients. The selection criteria comprised two main categories: National Merit, accounting for 48.3% of the chosen students, and Schools’ Quota Merit, which made up 51.7% of those selected.”
Dr. Ezinwa further stated that his committee meticulously organised and marked the exam to ensure that only academically excellent candidates were chosen based on merit. Although performances were lacking, he believed the success stories of the beneficiaries would inspire others to enhance their study habits and overall academic performance.
He expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for his innovative approach, which allowed everyone the chance to participate and demonstrate their capabilities. He noted that the apolitical nature of the initiative would serve as a benchmark for other political leaders.
Dr. Ezinwa thanked the school principals for their cooperation during sensitisation visits, acknowledging that “despite the short notice, the principals effectively organised the students for meaningful interactions with the Education Directorate’s mobilisation team. The feedback from these school visits was overwhelmingly positive, and we are deeply appreciative of this fruitful collaboration.”
He called on political leaders across the state, the South East, and Nigeria as a whole to recognise the necessity of investing in education, viewing it as the sure pathway to economic progress. He encouraged all beneficiaries to seize the opportunity provided by the lawmaker to enhance their academic lives, as this will pave the way for a better future for themselves, their families, and society.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, Chairman of the Post Primary School Management Board, praised Hon. Atu for the initiative, stating that it would motivate students to work harder, knowing there is a reward for their efforts.
Rev. Fr. Mgbodile, represented by Mrs. Onuoha Rosemary, also urged the students to remember the chairman of the foundation in their prayers, asking God to bless him abundantly for his generous gesture.
The event culminated in a special recognition for the overall best student, Master Okonkwo Ebube, from Uwani Boys Secondary School, who achieved the highest mark among all the students that participated in the examination, scoring 95%; while Command Day Secondary School had the highest Number of Students who scored A1 during the examination.
