The Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation on Monday presented bursary awards to 137 students from Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to higher education and easing the financial burden on families.
At the well-attended second edition of the bursary ceremony, each of the 137 beneficiaries received N100,000 for the 2026 academic year. The initiative follows the foundation’s maiden edition in 2025, when 87 undergraduates benefited from similar support.
Governor Mbah: “This Is an Investment in Dreams”
In his keynote address, Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, described the ceremony as more than a distribution of funds, but a strategic investment in the future of the state.
“Today is not just about financial assistance; it is about investing in dreams, unlocking potential, and strengthening the future of Enugu State,” the governor said while addressing the 137 beneficiaries.
Mbah represented by his Special Adviser on Education Innovation and Director of Experiential Learning at Enugu Smart Green Schools, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, commended the Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation for aligning with the state government’s education-focused transformation agenda. “Your work aligns perfectly with the developmental stride of Enugu State, where education is prioritized from foundational to tertiary level,” he noted.
Mbah emphasized that education remains the dividing line between poverty and prosperity, stressing that his administration is committed to ensuring that “no child is left behind in Enugu State.”
“To the 137 beneficiaries, I say this: You are the embodiment of hope and possibility. This support is not merely financial aid; it is a vote of confidence in your future and in the future of Enugu State. Use it wisely. Excel in your studies. Let integrity guide your decisions,” he urged.
He concluded by applauding the foundation’s initiative, stating that when government and responsible non-state actors collaborate, “the impact becomes deeper, broader, and more sustainable.”
Prof. Anieke: “We Must Outdo One Another in Goodness”
Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Very Rev. Prof. Christian Anieke, described the bursary scheme as a noble and godly act that reflects genuine compassion.
Quoting scripture, he said, “I was a student and couldn’t pay my fees and you decided to pay my fees. I was confused about how to continue my education and you came to my help without any condition.”
He stressed that good deeds must always be acknowledged regardless of societal perceptions. “Whether you like it or not, what is good is good, and what is bad is bad,” he said.
Prof. Anieke urged the 137 beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture with diligence and excellence. “If somebody has helped you, you are bound in conscience to work hard so that you reflect in your hard work the goodness of this person… If you receive money today and you go back to your institution and you are failing exams, not because you are weak but because you are lazy, you are a sinner.”
He challenged everyone present to emulate the foundation’s example. “We must outdo one another in goodness. Ask yourself today, what is my good action?”
Dr. Uzor: “You Were Selected Not by Favour, But by Transparency”
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation, Dr. FSA Uzor, said the second edition builds on the foundation’s inaugural bursary ceremony held in February 2025, where 87 students benefitted.
“Today marks the Second Edition of the Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation Bursary Award… As we kick off this second edition, it is more than a ceremony; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to educational advancement and community-driven development,” he said.
He explained that the foundation, established in October 2024, operates on the motto: “Leveraging a network of friendship and goodwill, lifting the people,” adding that structured compassion and strategic interventions can change lives.
Dr. Uzor detailed the transparent and multi-layered selection process that led to the emergence of the 137 beneficiaries. From a public announcement in October 2025 to online applications, document verification and physical interviews, the process was designed to ensure fairness and credibility.
Out of 195 valid applications that passed compliance screening, 148 candidates presented themselves for interview, after which a holistic scoring system balancing academic merit and financial need produced 137 successful students.
“After this comprehensive and multi-stage process, 137 applicants emerged successful. Today, we celebrate them,” he declared.
He formally announced the award of “N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) to each of the 137 beneficiaries, for the 2026 academic year,” describing it as “not just financial assistance, but a structured investment in 137 futures.”
Addressing the beneficiaries directly, he said: “You were selected not by chance, not by favour, and not by influence — but through a transparent process. This bursary is both support and responsibility… Today, we are happy to give to you. Tomorrow, be willing to give to others in need.”
Senator Ngwu Pledges Continued Support
In a goodwill message, Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Osita Ngwu, who was represented by Luke Mgbo, commended the foundation for sustaining the bursary initiative into its second edition.
He assured the foundation and beneficiaries of his continued support for programmes that promote access to education and youth development across the senatorial district.
Oruruo: “Education Is the Passport of the Future”
Chairman of the Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party, Steve Oruruo, described the gesture as consistent with efforts to expand educational opportunities for young people.
“It is in line with the pursuit of quality education for our children. That is exactly why we are here,” he said.
He noted that the foundation’s intervention reflects a longstanding commitment to uplifting the less privileged. “Over the years, even before being in government, he has been doing this. So because of that, we are motivated to give him support and also to give the children support.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Oruruo emphasized the transformative power of learning. “Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can heal the world,” he said.
He added, “Education is the passport of the future, and our tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” urging the 137 beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity.
Beneficiary: “This Is the First Time I Am Experiencing This”
One of the beneficiaries, Gabriels Kamsi, a fourth-year medical student from Imezi Owa, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the financial support.
“I am grateful for the award. This comes once in a while. At least this is the first time I am experiencing something like this since I have been in the university,” he said, explaining that he applied online and was later invited for an interview before being selected.
Kamsi added, “I appreciate it, and I hope more people will also benefit from it in the future,” echoing the sentiments of many of the 137 students whose academic journeys have now received renewed support through the foundation’s second bursary edition.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu; Senator Ben Collins Ndu; Member representing Ezeagu Constituency, Chima Obieze; Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, Rita Mbah; Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Universal Health Coverage Agency, Edith Okoro; respected traditional ruler Lawrence Agubuzu; Rector of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo; Prof. Joy Ezeilo; clerics, community leaders, parents of beneficiaries, friends and well-wishers.
