UNIZIK Don Attracts Scholarship for 10 Students.
A lecturer and Acting Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. O. A. Azaka, has facilitated scholarship awards for ten students of the University through the generosity of an alumnus.
Speaking during the presentation of award letters on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Mechanical Engineering Conference Hall, Dr. Azaka disclosed that the benefactor, Engr. Chukwudi Egwu Fidelis, a former student of the Department now based in the United States of America, instituted the scholarship through his CEF Foundation as a way of giving back to his alma mater. He explained that the scholarship, valued at ₦150,000 each, will be awarded annually to ten outstanding students.
In his remarks, the Global President of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association, Prof. Ikechukwu Umeh, stressed the importance of alumni support for their alma mater. He noted that alumni contributions help encourage academic excellence and provide assistance to indigent students. He commended the Department of Mechanical Engineering for sustaining its culture of excellence and urged more alumni to emulate the benefactor’s humanitarian gesture.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, described scholarship as a pathway to growth and academic advancement. He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions that could hinder their academic progress.
An Emeritus Professor of the Department and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sam Omenyi, described the Mechanical Engineering Department as one of the foundational departments of the University. He commended both staff and students for their professionalism, integrity, and consistent excellence. Similarly, former Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Nonso Achebe, urged the beneficiaries to serve as worthy ambassadors of the University.
The immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Solomon Nwigbo, appreciated the mentors who contributed to the Department’s growth and charged the awardees to uphold the values of scholarship and excellence. He emphasized that the benefactor expects positive academic outcomes from the beneficiaries.
A member of the University Governing Council and lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Paul Okolie, expressed appreciation to the benefactor and called on other philanthropists to support similar initiatives in line with the University’s development agenda. The Postgraduate Sub-Dean, Prof. Cletus Ohaneme, also commended the Department and Faculty for producing quality students.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Master Okonkwo Chukwuebuka Ifedi expressed gratitude for the scholarship and assured that the awardees would utilize the funds judiciously and remain committed to academic excellence.
List of Scholarship Beneficiaries:
Ezenwankwor Chioma Anita — Mechanical Engineering, 500 Level
Okonkwo Chukwuebuka Ifedi — Mechanical Engineering, 500 Level
Oni Eunice Oluwafisayomi — Mechanical Engineering, 500 Level
Atusiuba Chioma Ifeoma — Mechanical Engineering, 500 Level
Obah Grace Onyinye — Mechanical Engineering, 500 Level
Samuel Enyi Chukwu — Mechanical Engineering, 200 Level
Umeh Ikechukwu Princely — Mechanical Engineering, 200 Level
Ukachi Blessing Chioma — Biomedical Engineering, 100 Level
Umar Oguta Shuaib — Zoology, 100 Level
David Inawo Ishebi — Religion, 400 Level
The scholarship initiative highlights the impact of alumni contributions in promoting academic excellence and supporting deserving students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.