The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Dr. Ugo Magnus, has awarded full scholarships to 200 indigent students from across the district, reaffirming his commitment to expanding access to education and reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Ikwo, Ezza South, Ezza North and Ishielu Local Government Areas, were unveiled during the 7th Annual Public Lecture and Scholarship Programme of the Ugo Magnus Foundation held in Abakaliki.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Magnus described education as the most effective tool for empowering individuals and transforming society, insisting that investing in human capital remains the surest path to sustainable development.
“The only way to truly empower our community is through education. When you educate people, you equip them to transform their lives, empower others and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
The ADC senatorial hopeful stressed that the scholarship initiative was inspired by a genuine desire to uplift the people of Ebonyi rather than political considerations.
“This initiative is not about politics. It is about love for Ebonyi people and a sincere desire to reduce the number of out-of-school children. We want to raise future leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and public servants who will make Ebonyi proud,” Magnus stated.
Although he declined to disclose the exact financial value of the programme, Magnus revealed that the current phase, worth hundreds of millions of naira, would cover tuition fees and other approved academic expenses for the 200 beneficiaries, who would be admitted into partner institutions in batches.
He also disclosed that the foundation has, over the past seven years, supported more than 500 students across Nigeria through similar educational interventions and partnerships.
Chairperson of the ADC in Ebonyi State, Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, commended Magnus for sustaining the scholarship programme long before declaring his senatorial ambition, describing it as evidence of his enduring commitment to education and human capital development.
“Dr. Ugo Magnus has consistently invested in education for seven consecutive years. He believes that an educated child builds an empowered community. This is not a political stunt but a reflection of his long-standing commitment to human capital development,” she said.
She urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through academic excellence, discipline and good conduct.
“This scholarship is not merely a gift; it is a responsibility,” she added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, described the initiative as a life-changing intervention capable of reshaping the future of many young people and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the gesture.
Also speaking, the Founder of South Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, announced the institution’s readiness to partner with the Ugo Magnus Foundation to broaden access to quality, practical and innovation-driven education.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Oluchi Mgbebu and Favour Nwonuchukwu from Ikwo, Abia Ezzinne from Ishielu and Chibuike from Ezza North, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to excel academically and make their parents and benefactor proud.
The event, themed “Empowering Next Generation Through Education, Leadership and Innovation,” underscored the foundation’s commitment to promoting education, developing future leaders and strengthening human capacity in Ebonyi State and beyond.
Urging other successful Nigerians to invest in people, Magnus said nation-building begins with empowering others.
“Become builders of men and women. If you lift others, they will lift others too. That is how our communities and our nation can truly grow,” he said.
