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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Over 250 indigent students in Ebonyi North senatorial zone have received scholarship support from Mbam Stanley Labechi (MSL) foundation to promote literacy and youth development in the area.
The foundation also paid the 2025/2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees for secondary school students in the zone.
The beneficiaries came from Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu local governments that make up the zone.
Founder of the foundation, Stanley Lebechi Mbam, said the gesture was inspired by a personal resolve to support hardworking indigent students and contribute meaningfully to human capital development in the state.
Mbam, who is the state Commissioner for Works disclosed that while the 2025 edition of the scholarship was limited to Abakaliki Local Government Area, the 2026 edition was expanded to cover the entire Ebonyi North zone.
“At present, we have about 250 undergraduate beneficiaries, including students studying Medicine, Engineering, Law and other professional courses in various universities.
“We are grateful to God for this opportunity and we pray the foundation will continue for as long as we live.”
He further announced plans to enhance accountability in subsequent editions by paying tuition fees directly to educational institutions instead of releasing cash to beneficiaries.
Delivering a keynote address, Professor Nkechinyere Emma Echiegu described the scholarship scheme as timely, noting that it comes at a period of severe economic strain on families and students.
She warned beneficiaries against complacency, stressing that academic excellence, discipline and good character must accompany financial support.
“Receiving a scholarship is one thing; justifying it through discipline and excellence is another. You must be outstanding in both character and learning. Character, in fact, opens more doors.”
Echiegu also urged parents to give sustained moral support to their children and encouraged students to acquire vocational and functional skills alongside formal education to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Nkwegu Virginia, a 100-level Law student from Abakaliki Local Government Area, described the scholarship as a lifeline following the death of her father earlier in the year.
“This support means everything to my family. It has lifted a huge burden off us and given me hope to continue my legal education.”
Another beneficiary, Ezike, who received ₦120,000, assured stakeholders that the funds would be used strictly for educational purposes, dismissing fears of misuse.
