UNN First-Class Graduate Reveals Shocking Scholarship Denial Scandal
Newsman unveils the troubling account of Paulinus Odinakachukwu Onwumere, a 26-year-old UNN graduate, denied promised scholarship by Enugu State Government.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a recent exclusive interview with news men, Paulinus Odinakachukwu Onwumere, a 26-year-old first-class graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), shared his journey of being denied a scholarship award by the Enugu State government under the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime.
Onwumere, who hails from Ovum Mpu in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, recounted that he and two friends were awarded scholarships from primary school to university level by the then-Governor Chime in 2009. However, the scholarship abruptly ended during their JSS2, coinciding with the assumption of office by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in 2015.
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The first-class graduate expressed bewilderment over the sudden halt of the scholarship, describing the turn of events as a mystery. Despite attempts to address the issue by writing letters to the state government, Onwumere and his friends received no response.
In the interview, Onwumere shared details of his challenging journey, including the loss of his father in 2012 and his mother's prolonged illness, which necessitated him working as a teacher to raise funds for his JAMB form. Despite financial hardships, he excelled in his studies, obtaining a first-class degree in Theatre and Film Studies.
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Onwumere's commitment to education and his community was further highlighted when he donated his first National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allowance to cover the school fees of indigent pupils in Akwa Ibom state.
The interview covered various aspects of Onwumere's academic journey, motivations, brightest and darkest moments, financial challenges, and plans for the future. He also discussed his sponsorship of others in their education pursuits as a way of giving back to society.
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In concluding the interview, Onwumere advised Nigerian youths not to lose hope in the country, emphasizing the importance of digital skills and innovative approaches to overcome challenges. He urged them to recognize that the future belongs to them and encouraged diligence, consistency, and innovation in pursuing their goals.
This revelation raises questions about the transparency of scholarship programs in the state and the need for accountability in educational initiatives for the benefit of deserving students.
