The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association has officially launched a scholarship scheme aimed at supporting indigent students of the university, to empower them to pursue their academic and life ambitions.
The event, held in Awka under the theme “Empowering Dreams, Building the Future,” was declared open by the university’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Angela Ufele-Obiesie, who was represented by the Director of Academic Planning.
While welcoming everyone at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. Nnamdi Azikiwe Awka, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi expressed joy at the generosity of alumni of the university in providing succour to students by way of scholarship.
Barrister Olugbenga who was represented by Engr. Dr. Paul Okolie, a Council Member (representing the Congregation and teaching staff) stressed that he has continued to enjoy support from the Alumni Association since assuming duties as Pro-Chancellor. He enjoined the Association to keep the bond of unity and continue to work tirelessly for the growth and development of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Government, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, praised the Alumni Association for its commitment to creating opportunities for less privileged students. He encouraged future beneficiaries of the scholarship to also give back and assist others when they graduate.
Mr Ezeajughi also used the occasion to highlight Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s policy framework aimed at supporting the less privileged in Anambra State.
The Global President of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association, Associate Professor Ikechukwu Umeh, expressed the association’s determination to continually assist indigent students in meeting their academic needs. Dr. Umeh thanked donors for their generous support and confirmed that the scholarship program will now be a permanent initiative specifically for students facing financial hardship.
Chairman of the event and university governing council member, Dr. Ndubuisi Nwobu, thanked participants for their contributions and called on more well-meaning individuals to follow their example. He emphasized that the scholarship scheme is strictly for students who genuinely lack financial support.
In his message, the National Vice President of the Association for the South East, Mr. Francis Ochonma, described the scholarship as a noble effort exclusively for indigent students. He also took the opportunity to endorse Governor Soludo for a second term, citing the governor’s outstanding leadership.
Dr Kevin Njoku, Chairman of the Owerri branch of the Alumni Association, commended the association’s welfare-driven agenda and stressed the importance of the scholarship scheme in ensuring academic success for underprivileged students. He reaffirmed his branch’s dedication to the welfare of its members.
Chairman of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association, Dr. Obinna Uyaemezina, expressed his satisfaction with the successful launch of the scholarship scheme, which he noted will remain in place for as long as the university exists. Dr. Uyaemezina also extended his gratitude to the donors for their support.