A United States-based medical expert and philanthropist, Mr. Egwu Cletus Oduburu, has urged beneficiaries of the Egwu Cletus and Cecilia Oduburu (EC&C) Foundation Scholarship Scheme to remain focused, disciplined and committed to academic excellence, describing education as one of the greatest weapons against poverty, ignorance and inequality.
Oduburu gave the charge during the 2026 Scholarship Award and Disbursement Ceremony of the EC&C Foundation held at Ebushike in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
A total of 30 undergraduate students drawn from communities in Ezza North and other parts of the state benefited from the scholarship initiative.
He said the beneficiaries emerged through a rigorous and transparent selection process, assuring them of the foundation's continued support throughout their academic pursuits.
Addressing the students, Oduburu urged them to protect the opportunity by working hard and making themselves useful to their families and society.
"This scholarship is not merely financial assistance. It is an investment in your future. It is a vote of confidence in your potential. We believe in you.
"We believe that one day you will become doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, public servants and leaders who will positively impact society. When that day comes, remember to lift others just as someone has lifted you today. Education remains one of the greatest weapons against poverty, ignorance and inequality," he said.
The US-based nurse explained that the foundation was established to identify brilliant but financially disadvantaged students and assist them in pursuing higher education.
"We understand what it means to struggle. We know what it feels like to have dreams delayed because of financial limitations. That experience inspired us to ensure that deserving students do not abandon their education simply because they could not afford it.
"What began as a personal family initiative has now evolved into the Egwu Cletus and Cecilia Oduburu (EC&C) Foundation, a platform committed to nurturing dreams, building future leaders and creating opportunities for young people to succeed," he stated.
Oduburu disclosed that the foundation had sponsored and graduated 22 students from various tertiary institutions over the years but expressed concern that many of them remain unemployed.
He appealed to the Ebonyi State Government, government agencies, private organisations, business leaders and philanthropists to provide employment opportunities for about 20 graduates of the scholarship scheme who are yet to secure jobs.
"Over the years, this foundation has successfully sponsored and graduated twenty-two young men and women from various institutions. Unfortunately, many of them are still unemployed despite their qualifications.
"This reminds us that education alone is only part of the solution. Employment and economic opportunities are equally important.
"I respectfully appeal to the Government of Ebonyi State, government agencies, private organisations, business leaders, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to partner with us by creating employment opportunities for these graduates. Together, we can transform scholarship recipients into productive professionals who will contribute meaningfully to our society," he said.
Oduburu also commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for expanding access to education through local and international scholarship programmes, saying the administration had demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development.
"His administration has shown that investing in education is investing in the future of Ebonyi State. We commend these efforts and encourage their continued expansion," he added.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Scholarship Screening Committee, Chief Patrick Igwe, warned beneficiaries against engaging in anti-social activities, stressing that any student found wanting would lose the scholarship.
He also urged them to maintain high academic standards to remain in the programme.
In separate remarks, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, and the Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs and Donor Agencies, Chief Ikechukwu Igweazi, commended Oduburu for complementing the educational initiatives of the Governor Francis Nwifuru administration.
They encouraged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies, shun distractions and justify the confidence reposed in them by excelling academically.
