Ex-Enugu Chief of Staff, Uzor awards N13.7m bursary to 137 students

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Former Chief of Staff to the Enugu State Government, Festus Uzor, has awarded a total of N13.7 million in bursaries to 137 undergraduates from Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas of Enugu State.

Each beneficiary received N100,000 under the Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation at the second edition of its bursary award ceremony held in Enugu.

Speaking at the event, Uzor said the N13.7 million disbursement represents a structured investment in the future of young people whose academic pursuits are hindered by financial hardship.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Dr. Uzor Cares Foundation, I am pleased to formally announce the award of N100,000 to each of the 137 beneficiaries for the 2026 academic year. This represents not just financial assistance, but a structured investment in 137 futures,” he said.

He explained that the selection followed a transparent and multi-layered process, including an online application window, document verification and physical interviews. Out of 195 valid applications shortlisted, 148 candidates appeared for interviews, with 137 eventually selected based on academic merit, financial need and documentation credibility.

“Our objective was not merely to reward high grades, but to identify deserving students whose educational pursuits were genuinely constrained by financial hardship,” Uzor added, stressing that beneficiaries were chosen strictly on merit.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Special Adviser on Education Innovation and Director of Experiential Learning at Enugu Smart Green Schools, Dr. Chinyere Onyishi, described the programme as complementary to the state’s education reform agenda.

“In this administration, education is not merely a sector, it is a strategic turning point. It represents the dividing line between poverty and prosperity, limitation and opportunity, dependency and productivity,” she said.

She highlighted ongoing reforms, including the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools across the state’s wards, establishment of eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, and the introduction of experiential learning pedagogy in tertiary institutions.

Chairman of the occasion, Christian Anieke, described the initiative as inspiring and urged others to emulate the gesture.

“What Uzor is doing is an inspiration to all of us. Wherever we are, we should be able to do something good for others,” he said.