Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has officially launched the 2024/2025 Ebonyi State Scholarship Programme, enabling 745 students to pursue advanced degrees in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Announcing the program on his official X account, Governor Nwifuru shared his excitement and commitment to empowering the state through education.
“Yesterday, with great joy and pride, we flagged off our historic initiative, the 2024/2025 Ebonyi State Scholarship programme, marking it with the departure of 204 Ebonyians to the United Kingdom and 541 other Ebonyians in various other Universities in Nigeria for their Masters and Doctorate degree programs,” the Governor said.
Investing in the Future of Ebonyi
The Governor emphasized that the program represents a strategic investment in human capital development, underscoring its importance over physical infrastructure.
“This celebration is not just an investment in education, but an investment in the future of our State, and no infrastructure can be bigger than this. It is an event that demonstrates our commitment to human capital development which occupies center stage in our Government,” he remarked.
A Message to the Scholars
Governor Nwifuru urged the scholarship beneficiaries to make the most of their opportunities.
“I urge you, our scholars, to immerse yourselves fully in your studies, embrace the cultures you encounter, and build networks that will be invaluable to your growth,” he advised.
However, he reminded them of their responsibility to return and contribute to the state after completing their programs.
“Your ultimate mission lies here at home. Upon completing your studies, we expect you to return to our State and channel your expertise into sectors that need your innovation, creativity, and leadership,” he added.
A Budget Prioritizing Education
Governor Nwifuru has further demonstrated his administration’s focus on education by proposing a N396.59 billion 2025 budget to the state House of Assembly, with education receiving the highest sectoral allocation of N70.14 billion.
The proposed budget, aptly named the “Budget of Economic and Social Development,” also earmarks N39.01 billion for health, reflecting the administration’s holistic approach to improving living standards.
Key initiatives include:
- Reforming basic and secondary education with a focus on technology and science.
- Recruiting educators skilled in technology and entrepreneurial education to foster economic self-reliance.
Broader Federal Educational Investments
On the national level, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed 2025 federal budget includes N3.5 trillion for education, with N826.90 billion allocated to infrastructure projects like Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the creation of nine new higher institutions.
Additionally, the Federal Government is negotiating a $500 million World Bank loan to enhance basic education and reduce the number of out-of-school children, supplemented by a $54 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
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