Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Osita Ngwu, has disbursed ₦250 million in scholarships and bursaries to students across the district, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in education and the future of young people.
The funds were presented during a ceremony held at the International Conference Centre Enugu, under the Enugu West Academy initiative, a programme designed to support students academically and financially.
The scholarship scheme, now in its second year, benefited candidates who participated in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination as well as postgraduate students.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who attended the event, praised Ngwu’s commitment to education and youth empowerment, announcing an additional ₦100 million donation to the Enugu West Academy.
“What Osita has done is an uncommon project. When you give a child a good education, he or she can go anywhere in the world,” Akpabio said.
He added that Ngwu has distinguished himself in the Senate, noting that his performance earned him appointment as one of the principal officers of the National Assembly of Nigeria.
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, said the scholarship programme complements the state government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, particularly the development of smart schools across Enugu State.
Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo, represented by Ugo Chime, described the initiative as a genuine effort to give back to society and urged other leaders to invest in education and community development.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Ngwu said the Enugu West Academy was established after he discovered that many brilliant students in secondary schools were unable to pursue their dreams due to lack of opportunities and mentorship.
“Today, we gather not merely to celebrate scholarships or distribute bursaries; we gather to reaffirm a vision that the future of Enugu West Senatorial District will be defined not by limitations but by knowledge; not by circumstance but by opportunity; and not by chance but by deliberate investment in our young people. We will leave no child behind,” he said.
Ngwu stressed that human capital development remains the most important investment any leader can make, noting that education remains the strongest pillar for societal growth.
He disclosed that through the academy, more than 2,600 students benefited from UTME preparation classes and registration support in 2025 across the five local government areas in Enugu West.
According to him, the academy currently has over 4,000 students enrolled across 19 physical learning centres and online platforms.
The lawmaker also recalled that during the maiden edition of the programme in 2024, ₦81 million was awarded to 18 outstanding students studying in universities across the country.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Leaving no one behind: The role of scholarships in closing the gap,” the Registrar of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, C. N. Nnebedum, said financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles preventing talented students from reaching their full potential.
“When you educate a child, you are changing the trajectory of an entire generation. With this scholarship, Senator Ngwu is investing in families and the future of our children. He is a shining example for others to follow,” she said.
She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by striving for academic excellence and contributing to national development.
“It shouldn’t just make you countable but accountable,” she added.
Earlier, Director and Head of Strategy at Enugu West Academy, Kanayochukwu Ani, said the programme had evolved into a platform of hope for families across the district.
“What began years ago as a simple desire by Senator Osita Ngwu to help students do better has grown into a platform of hope for families across Enugu West,” he said.
Also speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, Ken Ezike described the scholarships and bursaries as an investment in the future of the zone.
“You, the children, are our tomorrow. You are in school for us. We expect you to return with success and become the best in whatever field you study,” he said.
