Governor and the President of the Senate, , have praised the senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, , for disbursing ₦250 million in bursaries and scholarships to students across the district.
The commendation came during a ceremony held at the , where hundreds of students benefited from the education support programme organised under the Enugu West Academy initiative.
The scheme, now in its second year, is designed to assist students academically and financially. Beneficiaries include candidates preparing for the (UTME) as well as postgraduate students pursuing higher education.
Speaking at the event, Akpabio described Ngwu’s intervention as a significant investment in human capital development and youth empowerment. He also announced a ₦100 million personal donation to support the academy.
According to him, providing access to quality education equips young people with the tools needed to succeed anywhere in the world. He further noted that Ngwu had distinguished himself in the Senate through his performance and commitment to service.
Governor Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, , said the initiative complements the state government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector, including the establishment of smart schools across the state.
Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Power and Vice Chancellor of the , , represented by Surveyor Ugo Chime, described the programme as a genuine effort to give back to society. He encouraged other individuals and organisations to invest in education and community development.
In his address, Ngwu explained that the Enugu West Academy was established after discovering that many talented students in secondary schools were unable to pursue their academic dreams due to lack of opportunities and mentorship.
He said the initiative aims to ensure that young people in the district are empowered through knowledge and access to education.
Ngwu disclosed that over 2,600 students benefited from UTME preparation classes and registration support in 2025 across the five local government areas in Enugu West. He added that the academy currently has more than 4,000 students enrolled across 19 physical learning centres and online platforms.
The senator also recalled that during the maiden edition of the programme in 2024, ₦81 million in scholarships was awarded to 18 outstanding students studying in universities across Nigeria.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Leaving No One Behind: The Role of Scholarships in Closing the Gap,” the Registrar of the , , highlighted funding challenges as one of the major barriers preventing many talented students from achieving their academic goals.
She commended Ngwu for demonstrating that leadership goes beyond holding public office and involves making meaningful contributions to society. Nnebedum also encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity by striving for academic excellence and contributing positively to national development.
Earlier, the Director and Head of Strategy at Enugu West Academy, Kanayochukwu Ani, said the initiative had grown into a platform of hope for families across the district.
Traditional ruler , who spoke on behalf of other monarchs, described the scholarships and bursaries as a long-term investment in the future of the region. He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and return with success in their chosen fields.
The organisers also advised students to remain dedicated to their studies and make the most of the opportunity provided by the programme.
The Enugu West Academy initiative continues to gain attention as a major educational support programme aimed at improving access to learning and empowering young people in the district.