The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works, Stanley Lebechi Mbam, has paid the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for 109 underprivileged students in the Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone. This initiative aims to enhance literacy and ease the financial burden on the students and their families.
Among the beneficiaries are blind students and other financially disadvantaged learners. The Commissioner personally handed over cash for the fees at his residence in Abakaliki, with parents present at the event.
Mbam emphasized that his motivation stemmed from the educational challenges faced by his senatorial zone, which he described as the least developed in the state in terms of education. He stressed that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking potential.
To further support academic excellence, he pledged university scholarships to students who achieve outstanding results in their WAEC exams. He also urged parents to avoid pressuring their children into the “get-rich-quick” mentality, encouraging them instead to focus on their studies.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation for school principals, teachers, and other education stakeholders for their dedication to shaping future generations. He reassured his commitment to ensuring that students in his region are not left behind educationally.Mbam also acknowledged Governor Francis Nwifuru for entrusting him with the Commissioner role and vowed to use his position to make a meaningful impact.
Dr. Oliver Nwachukwu, chairman of the beneficiary selection committee, described the initiative as a rare opportunity and encouraged students to make the most of it by excelling in their exams. He also advised parents to guide their children wisely, especially in the age of social media distractions.
Another committee member, Godfrey Chikwere, noted that the beneficiaries were selected based on merit, with 25% of the slots allocated to people with disabilities to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
One of the beneficiaries, a blind student named Williams Enyi, expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for his generosity and promised to make his family, community, and benefactor proud.
