Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has urged beneficiaries of the state’s scholarship programme pursuing doctoral studies in various Nigerian universities to embrace self-reliance, innovation and impactful research capable of driving development in the state and the country.
The governor gave the charge during a courtesy visit by selected PhD student representatives under the Ebonyi State Scholarship Programme at the Government House, Abakaliki.
Nwifuru said his administration remained committed to investing in education and human capital development, describing knowledge acquisition and research as critical tools for addressing societal challenges and accelerating economic growth.
He encouraged the scholars to focus their academic research on practical solutions to problems affecting society, particularly in areas that would contribute to the socio-economic advancement of Ebonyi State.
The governor further assured the students of his administration’s continued support throughout the duration of their studies, stressing that the government would remain faithful to the terms of the scholarship agreement.
According to him, beneficiaries who successfully complete their programmes would enjoy the automatic employment opportunities earlier promised by the state government.
Nwifuru reiterated that education remains one of the key pillars of his administration’s development agenda, noting that the scholarship initiative was designed to equip young people with advanced knowledge and skills necessary for leadership and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the scholars, the National Coordinator of FON Scholars, Ebonyi State, Comrade Nwodom Stan Nwodom, expressed appreciation to the governor for what he described as a visionary investment in education and human capital development.
He commended the governor for creating opportunities for Ebonyi youths to pursue higher academic qualifications, saying the gesture had inspired many beneficiaries to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Nwodom assured the governor that the scholars would remain worthy ambassadors of Ebonyi State and would continue to uphold the values of excellence, innovation and integrity throughout their academic pursuits.
He also pledged that the beneficiaries would deploy the knowledge and expertise acquired during their studies to promote the state's development and enhance its image at the national and international levels.
