The Ebonyi State Government has dispatched 92 indigenes overseas for postgraduate training, reaffirming its commitment to human capital development under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
The scholars departed Nigeria on Monday from the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Ezza, bound for the United Kingdom, where they will pursue various postgraduate programmes in top-ranked universities.
The initiative represents another significant stride in the implementation of the human capital development component of the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, the flagship policy framework of the Nwifuru administration.
Speaking at the departure ceremony, Governor Nwifuru charged the beneficiaries to uphold discipline, academic excellence, and exemplary conduct, reminding them that the scholarship opportunity was made possible through the collective sacrifices of the people of Ebonyi State.
He noted that the funds committed to the programme were drawn from the hard-earned resources of farmers, traders, civil servants, and artisans across the state, who expect that the beneficiaries’ success would translate into sustainable socio-economic gains for Ebonyi.
The Governor urged the scholars to serve as worthy ambassadors of both the state and the nation, stressing that Ebonyians are known for their diligence, resilience, and strong work ethic wherever they find themselves.
According to him, governance and leadership are best assessed not by the number of speeches delivered, but by the tangible impact made on people’s lives. He expressed gratitude to God for granting his administration the opportunity to make deliberate investments in education and human development.
Governor Nwifuru expressed confidence that the scholars, upon completion of their studies, would return home equipped with the knowledge, skills, and global exposure required to strengthen institutions, stimulate economic growth, and position Ebonyi State to compete favourably in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
It will be recalled that the Ebonyi State Government sponsored 285 indigenes for overseas postgraduate studies last year, with many already having completed their Master’s programmes, an indication of the administration’s balanced approach to infrastructure development and human capital investment.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board, Chief Chaka Nweze, commended Governor Nwifuru for placing education at the centre of his development agenda, describing the scholarship scheme as a transgenerational investment whose benefits would endure for decades.
Nweze urged the beneficiaries to maximise the rare opportunity and return as refined professionals and responsible citizens, committed to the growth and sustainable development of Ebonyi State.
