From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A member representing Enugu North and South federal constituency, Chimaobi Atu, yesterday, presented cheques of N37,200 each to 105 indigent students drawn from 24 public schools within his constituency.
The cheques, which will cover both the students’ West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees and school fees for two terms is part of his efforts towards boosting education and alleviating the plight of the less privileged among his people.
Speaking during the event, Atu said the gesture was due to his burning desire to make sure no child is denied the opportunity to have a better shot at life because of his or her background or circumstances.
He said: “Chimaobi Sam Atu Foundation believes all children, irrespective of family background should be given the same opportunity to pursue a better future. No doubt, quality education is an equaliser. As the son of a dedicated primary school teacher, I am more convinced quality education is the way out. This has been part of me long before I joined politics.
“The selected students who are here to receive this award are wonderful young men and women who hold our collective future. They are the most brilliant and courageous set of children I have met in my adult life. Our team that went around the 24 public schools gave interesting reports of these wonderful children who are expected to lead this country tomorrow,” he said.
He further revealed that the Chimaobi Sam Atu Foundation will be giving Senior School Certificate Examination, A-Level and tertiary education scholarships to over one thousand students in Enugu North and South federal constituency by June.
Chairman, Post Primary School Management Board, Enugu State, Hillary Mgbodile, commended the lawmaker for coming to the aid of parents who could not afford the examination fees.
He said: “WAEC registration this year became even more difficult as the examination body raised their registration fees from N17,000 to N27,000 and National Examinations Council followed, such that to register for both of them, you will have to look for N60,000. If the parents of students in public schools have N60,000, they won’t go to public schools before now.
“It is a hard nut to crack for them. Those in rural schools leave school to do menial jobs, just to find a way to pay these fees. When I heard about this gesture, I was extremely delighted and I said this is it. This meets the aspiration of the human person,” he said.