The Ebonyi State Government is making unprecedented investments in the education sector through massive scholarship programs and the development of new tertiary institutions, according to Prof. Omari Omaka, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education.
Speaking on the ongoing educational reforms, Prof. Omaka revealed that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has approved 300 foreign postgraduate scholarships—mainly to the United Kingdom—and 700 local scholarships for students studying in Nigerian universities, particularly in the Southeast. Out of the 300 foreign slots, 254 beneficiaries have already travelled, while the remaining are finalizing institutional placements.
“This program is structured to be an annual event. Every year, new batches of students will be sent abroad and locally to pursue postgraduate studies,” Prof. Omaka stated.
He noted that a return bond has been signed by the scholars, mandating them to return to Ebonyi State upon completion of their studies. “They have jobs waiting for them—whether in our secondary schools or in our upcoming universities,” he said. “The bond is to ensure they come back and contribute to the state’s development.”
Prof. Omaka confirmed that the government is building two brand-new universities: the University of Aeronautical Engineering in Ezza and the University of ICT in Oferekpe. “These universities are being constructed from scratch in untouched forest locations. No previous structures existed. This is a historic first for our state,” he said.
On the revitalization of existing institutions, Prof. Omaka disclosed that Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has received increased subvention from ₦150 million to ₦280 million, which has helped clear salary arrears and restore staff morale. Additionally, lecturers' salaries have been increased by 20%, and non-academic staff received a 10% raise. The government also directed automatic employment for all First Class graduates of the university.
“There hadn’t been promotions for eight years. Now, over 50 professors have been promoted in three years,” he noted. Major capital projects are also ongoing, including a multi-billion naira Faculty of Engineering at Ishieke campus and a new Faculty of Law at the CAS campus.
The College of Education in Ikwo is also witnessing infrastructure upgrades, including internal roadworks, street lighting, and a subvention increase from ₦50 million to ₦65 million.
Prof. Omaka highlighted other interventions, such as the digitalization of transcript processing and the provision of buses to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal for staff and students.
In addition, the Governor has approved ₦300,000 support grants for Ebonyi law graduates heading to the Nigerian Law School, including assistance for their call to bar ceremonies. Students from the Governor’s set at EBSU’s Faculty of Law have also received automatic scholarships up to PhD level.
“Governor Nwifuru is passionate about education. Without his commitment and leadership, none of this would be possible,” Prof. Omaka affirmed. “This administration is laying a foundation that will transform Ebonyi into a center of academic excellence.”
