The Ebonyi State Scholarship Board has declared that it is open for clarifications concerning the state government’s national and overseas scholarship scheme.
Chief Chaka Nweze, the Chairman of the board made the declaration in an interview, noting that the scheme has been implemented with the highest level of people- orientedness.
Nweze, the Former Chairman of Ohaozara Local Governentl Area (LGA) said the board was always ready to present facts concerning the scheme which is the flagship of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s investments in education.
“This is a programme funded with public resources and intended for the benefit of Ebonyi people so we are always ready to present facts over its implementation.
“Currently, 304 Ebonyi students are in universities in the United Kingdom (UK) and one student in Canada under the overseas scholarship programme.
“202 of the students in the UK have completed their Master’s programmes with approximately 90 per cent of them graduating with distinctions.
The board chairman noted that majority of the students have proceeded to PhD programmes, while about 101 students are still undertaking their Master’s programmes.
“The scholars have studied and are studying in reputable institutions including: De Montfort University, Leeds Beckett University, Robert Gordon University, the University of Lincoln and Ulster University, among others.
“The overseas scholarship programme is only one component of Governor Nwifuru’s investment in education as it has awarded over 1,000 scholarships to Ebonyi students studying in universities within Nigeria.
“The policy is therefore, not about sending a privileged few abroad but creating educational opportunities for Ebonyi youths across different levels to access quality tertiary education.”
He clarified that misconceptions over the scheme even from those defending it, stem from dishing of information without seeking due clarification from the board.
“The issue of the beneficiaries’ movement has been re-occuring but the fact remains that we processed all applications at the same time.
“We have to note that not all the applicants passed interviews for visa at the same time therefore when an applicant secures visa, he or she moves.
“This however, does not imply new badges to the UK as the original movement statistics remain the same.”
