No fewer than 47 beneficiaries on Monday departed Ebonyi State for the United Kingdom under the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, as Governor Francis Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development.
The beneficiaries departed from the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, where the governor described the programme as a strategic investment in the future prosperity of Ebonyi State.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Nwifuru urged the scholars to remain disciplined and serve as worthy ambassadors of the state, noting that their journey symbolised more than international travel.
“This event is not just about boarding a flight but destiny taking flight.
This is about hope leaving the shores of Ebonyi to soar into the future,” the governor said.
He explained that the scholarship scheme ranked among the most financially demanding interventions of his administration, second only to major infrastructure projects. According to him, the programme initially faced stiff opposition due to economic pressures and competing development needs.
“Several people called for its suspension, arguing that the resources should be channelled towards roads, hospitals and other pressing needs,” Nwifuru said. “However, we would be mortgaging the future of Ebonyi if we fail to invest in the youths.”
The governor added that the initiative aligned with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs, which places human capital development at the core of governance.
“This initiative is deeply personal, as the beneficiaries are being offered opportunities I and many others never had,” he said. “Every fund spent on it is a collective sacrifice of traders, civil servants, artisans and taxpayers, aimed at making the path easier for the next generation.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ebonyi Scholarship Board, Chief Chaka Nweze, said the selection of beneficiaries was conducted strictly on merit.
“We concentrated on first-class graduates, but due to prevailing developments, we also considered those with Second Class Upper division (2:1) with a CGPA of 3.0 and above,” Nweze said.
He disclosed that an additional 43 beneficiaries would depart at a later date, as they were still awaiting visa clearance. He further revealed that all beneficiaries signed a bond committing them to return to Nigeria and serve Ebonyi State for a minimum of five years after their studies.
According to him, the scholars would be deployed to educational institutions currently being inaugurated across the state, after which they would be free to pursue personal endeavours upon completing their service period.
The scholarship scheme is part of the Ebonyi State Government’s broader strategy to build a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development and long-term growth.
