Ebonyi State Unveils High-Profile Foreign Scholarships in Recognition of Academic Excellence To Students

Significantly, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State revealed on Sunday that the state government is set to award foreign scholarships to outstanding graduates. Addressing the press in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru disclosed that the initiative aims to send 100 First Class and 2nd Class Upper Division graduates to countries of their choice for advanced education.

This announcement follows a recent decision made during a cabinet meeting of the state government. Governor Nwifuru emphasized the commitment to educational excellence, stating that an additional 300 individuals will be sponsored to pursue master's degrees in various institutions across Nigeria.

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During a pastoral visit from Most Rev. Peter Nworie, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru shared further insights. In a dignified move, he pledged to return all mission schools to their original owners by December. Acknowledging the strategic role played by the Catholic Church and other missions in enhancing education in the state, the governor directed the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to initiate the process of returning schools to the missions.

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"We are badly challenged in the area of education. We have agreed at a cabinet meeting to send 100 First Class and 2nd Class Upper Division graduates to countries of their choice to further their education," stated Governor Nwifuru. "We won't hesitate if the Catholic Church or other Missions are ready to take back their schools that were taken over by the government."

Most Rev. Nworie expressed the Church's readiness to collaborate with the government to improve teaching and learning in Ebonyi. He highlighted the historical context of the mission schools, stating, "Those schools were forcefully taken away from us after the Civil War. The governor knows our feelings about this."

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In response, Governor Nwifuru assured of his administration's commitment to working in partnership with churches and appreciated the Church's support in achieving the state's goals. The Bishop encouraged cabinet members to provide full support to the governor, emphasizing that the success of each cabinet member is integral to the success of the entire government.

This initiative aligns with the governor's broader vision for educational advancement and underscores Ebonyi State's commitment to fostering academic excellence and collaboration with religious institutions.