JEMITIM Foundation Honors Two AKSU Students with Scholarships for Academic Excellence

The JEMITIM Foundation has made a significant contribution to education by awarding scholarships to two exceptional students from Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU).

The scholarship presentation occurred during the first edition of the JEMITIM Foundation Scholarship Award Presentation at the university’s main campus.

The recipients, Miss Edidiong Edet, a 200-level student in the Department of Marketing, and Miss Favour Mkpayen, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, were recognized for their academic dedication and commitment to excellence. Each student received a scholarship of ₦100,000, aimed at supporting their educational journey.

The founder of the JEMITIM Foundation, Professor (Mrs.) Jemimah T. Ekanem, who also serves as the Director of Quality Assurance at AKSU, articulated the foundation's mission. "The scholarship is a way of giving back to the community by supporting hardworking young people, especially female students, in their education," she stated. The foundation is committed to merit-based awards and plans to extend its reach to postgraduate students in the future. In addition to the scholarships, the foundation offers a Graduation Award for the best graduating student in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, valued at ₦30,000, and another for the best in the Faculty of Agriculture, worth ₦20,000.

Engr. Yireobong Akpaba, Chairman of the Scholarship Board, shared insights into the rigorous selection process that ensured only the most deserving students were chosen. “The selection was tough but fair, underscoring our commitment to recognizing true academic excellence,” he said.

In his remarks, Professor Nse U. Essien, Vice-Chancellor of AKSU, commended Professor Ekanem for her generosity and foresight. He emphasized the scholarship's significance in light of the current economic challenges and advocated for a balanced approach to future scholarships that equally benefit both male and female students. Professor Essien congratulated the winners and urged all students to utilize the available resources to enhance their educational experiences. To further support the scholarship initiative, he contributed an additional ₦50,000 to each award.

Dr. Ebi G. Eno-Ibanga, Registrar of AKSU, expressed her congratulations to the foundation and the scholarship recipients, urging students to remain prepared for opportunities that lead to success. Other university officials, including Professor (Mrs.) Franca Anijiaobi-Idem and Mr. Timothy Ekanem, acknowledged the importance of the scholarship in encouraging academic dedication among students.

The parents of the recipients, including Mr. James Mkpayen, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the JEMITIM Foundation and AKSU for supporting education. In their speeches, Miss Edidiong Edet and Miss Favour Mkpayen conveyed their joy and appreciation for the recognition of their hard work.

Dr. (Mrs.) Jewel Thomas, a board member of the foundation, thanked Professor Ekanem for her commitment to supporting young people. She also expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and university management for their unwavering support, recognizing the efforts of board members and staff who contributed to making the event a success.

The scholarship awards were presented by the Vice-Chancellor, with many dignitaries, including university staff and students, in attendance. This event reflects the JEMITIM Foundation's ongoing dedication to empowering students through education, underscoring the positive impact of community support in shaping the next generation of leaders.