The IG Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation (IGAHAF), a non-governmental organisation, has awarded scholarships to at least 700 indigent students from communities across Anambra State and other parts of Nigeria.

The beneficiaries, who are enrolled in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, received the educational support during the foundation’s 6th Annual Education Summit.

The summit also marked the induction of graduating scholarship beneficiaries into the IGAHAF Global Network of Alumni. As part of the programme, eight graduates received N250,000 each.

Four outstanding beneficiaries at the tertiary level were also rewarded with N500,000 each, alongside HP laptops to assist them in their academic pursuits.

Those recognised included Ben Eze of Ebonyi State University; Moses Chibuike and Nwafor Chiamaka of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and another selected tertiary student.

Former Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, commended IGAHAF for its investment in education and its efforts to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Chuma-Udeh delivered the keynote address, titled “Service to Humanity: The IGAHAF; Redefining Values through Generosity,” during the event. She described investment in education as an effective instrument for social transformation and human capital development.

She called on the foundation to maintain the scholarship initiative, stressing that providing students with the resources and opportunities they need could contribute to shaping future generations.

The foundation’s chairman, Onyeka Aguowo, said the annual programme reflected his commitment to serving humanity. According to him, the initiative was established to ease the financial pressure experienced by students and their families.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, said the scholarship programme was consistent with IGAHAF’s objective of helping young people overcome poverty through education.

The second keynote speaker, Ujunwa Ezeofor, similarly drew attention to the lasting social and economic gains that can result from investing in education and developing the capabilities of young people.

IGAHAF Executive Director, Gloria Abanihe, said scholarship recipients were carefully selected according to their academic performance.

She explained that the foundation’s educational investments extend across different stages of learning, covering primary education, secondary and tertiary education as well as specialised studies.

“IGAHAF remains steadfastly dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through robust, uninterrupted academic sponsorship,” Abanihe said.

Prof. Lilian Orogbu, who represents Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said responsibility for funding education should not rest entirely with government.

She therefore encouraged individuals with the financial capacity to contribute towards supporting students and advancing educational development.

Some beneficiaries described the scholarships as a lifeline received at a crucial stage of their education. They expressed their gratitude to IGAHAF and its benefactor for the assistance.

The foundation said it would continue implementing its scholarship and education support initiatives as part of efforts to expand access to education and strengthen human capital development.

Source:msme Africa online