Imo Philanthropist Announces Significant Expansion of Scholarships for Tertiary Students in 2024

In a remarkable commitment to advancing education, Chief Chris Ejikeme Onwuzurike, the founder and benefactor of the Akanchawa Education Foundation, has pledged to amplify both the number of beneficiaries and the financial support provided to students pursuing higher education in 2024.

During the presentation ceremony for the 2023 scholarship recipients in Abba, Nwangele local government area of Imo State last weekend, Chief Onwuzurike emphasized the challenging economic circumstances facing many families in the country. He expressed the need to reassess the scholarship program to accommodate a greater number of deserving students and to augment the monetary awards granted to each awardee.

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The announcement was made by Prof Frank Ojiako, Chairman of the Board of the Akanchawa Education Foundation, who represented Chief Onwuzurike at the event. In his address, he urged the beneficiaries to utilize the financial assistance judiciously, acknowledging the strain that the economic situation places on parents financing their children's education.

"I recognize that the economic situation in the country is taking a big toll on parents financing their children’s education, and I want to assure you that I will not be in Abba and hear that any ABBA child who gained admission in any institution of higher learning in Nigeria is denied the opportunity because of school fees," stated Chief Onwuzurike.

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He further highlighted the renewable nature of the scholarship, contingent on the students' behavior and academic performance. The foundation's board will closely monitor the awardees' conduct and achievements. At the event, ten students were presented with scholarships, each receiving a financial grant of N100,000.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ohaegbu Nicholas, a parent, thanked Chief Onwuzurike for the extraordinary scholarship awarded to his daughter, Oluebube. Nicholas emphasized that the philanthropist's generosity and support have significantly impacted their lives, describing the investment in Oluebube's education as an investment in the future of their village and society at large.

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Ajuogu Mary Obianuju, one of the awardees, spoke on behalf of her fellow beneficiaries, assuring Chief Onwuzurike that they would not disappoint their mentor. She conveyed their enduring gratitude, emphasizing that the scholarship would alleviate their financial burdens and contribute significantly to their educational pursuits.

Chief Onwuzurike's passion for empowering the youth to reach the pinnacle of their education continues to leave an indelible mark on the community, fostering a brighter future for aspiring students in Imo State.