The Ugo Magnus Foundation has awarded tertiary education scholarships to 200 indigent students from four local government areas in Ebonyi Central Senatorial District.
The beneficiaries are from Ikwo, Ezza South, Ezza North and Ishielu Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State. They received the scholarship awards during the foundation’s 7th Annual
The event wasEmpowering the Next Generation through Education, Leadership and Innovation,” highlighting the foundation’s commitment to improving access to education and investing in young Nigerians.
Founder of the Ugo Magnus Foundation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Dr Ugo Magnus, described education as one of the most sustainable ways to empower individuals and communities.
Magnus explained that the scholarship initiative was established as part of his efforts to contribute to human capital development and support the growth of Ebonyi State.
According to him, the programme, which has continued for seven years, was driven by his commitment to education and youth development rather than political considerations.
“The only way to truly empower our community is through education. When you educate people, you equip them to transform their lives, empower others and contribute meaningfully to society.”
He disclosed that the latest scholarship intervention would support 200 students, with the beneficiaries to be admitted in batches into partner institutions.
Magnus added that the programme was worth hundreds of millions of naira and would cover tuition fees and other approved academic expenses.
He said the foundation’s objective was also to contribute to reducing the number of out-of-school children while nurturing future professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and public servants from Ebonyi.
Magnus further revealed that more than 500 students across Nigeria had benefited from related educational interventions through partnerships with other foundations over the years.
He called on successful Nigerians to invest in education and human capacity, stressing that communities could achieve sustainable development when more people were given opportunities to acquire quality education.
The Ebonyi State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Dr Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, commended the Ugo Magnus Foundation for sustaining the scholarship programme.
She noted that the initiative had been running for seven consecutive years, predating Magnus’ current senatorial ambition.
Adibe-Nwafor urged the public to view the scholarship as an educational intervention rather than an election campaign strategy.
She said the beneficiaries would receive assistance covering tuition and other approved academic expenses throughout their studies.
The ADC chairman also encouraged the students to repay the confidence placed in them by maintaining academic excellence and good character.
She described the scholarship as both an opportunity and a responsibility, urging the beneficiaries to extend similar support to others when they eventually become successful.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, popularly known as Baby-Oku, described the scholarship programme as a worthwhile initiative capable of changing the lives of young people.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to their education, stressing the importance of determination and perseverance in achieving success.
Orogwu also appealed to other wealthy Nigerians to support educational development and give back to their communities.
Similarly, the Founder of South Atlantic University, Uyo, Pastor Bassey James, praised Magnus for his contribution to educational advancement.
James announced that the university was prepared to partner with the Ugo Magnus Foundation to further expand access to quality education.
He stressed that education should go beyond academic qualifications by equipping young people with practical skills, leadership abilities, innovation and entrepreneurial knowledge.
The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, academics, business executives, party members and other stakeholders from across Ebonyi State.
Some of the scholarship beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Ugo Magnus Foundation for the opportunity.
Among those who spoke were Oluchi Mgbebu and Favour Nwonuchukwu from Ikwo, Abia Ezzinne from Ishielu, and Chibuike Eze from Ezza North.
They thanked the foundation for selecting them and promised to take their studies seriously, make their parents and benefactor proud, and uphold the values of the organisation.
The scholarship programme is expected to provide financial relief for indigent students while supporting broader efforts to improve tertiary education access, youth empowerment and human capital development in Ebonyi State.
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