The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association, Awka (NAUAA), has launched a new scholarship programme aimed at supporting underprivileged students in their academic pursuits.
Speaking on Sunday, NAUAA Global President, Dr Ikechukwu Umeh, announced the initiative, stating that its mission is to “sow seeds of hope, resilience and opportunity” under the theme “Empowering Dreams, Building the Future.”
Umeh noted that the alumni association was reaffirming its belief that education is not only a route to individual achievement but also “the cornerstone of national progress.”
Describing the scholarship as a significant gesture of giving back to their alma mater, he said it was designed to ease financial difficulties and motivate students to realise their full potential, with the alumni investing in “leaders, thinkers, creators, and change makers.”
He appealed for public support, revealing that each student requires N500,000 to complete their studies, and urged individuals to “adopt a student.”
Scholarship recipients will be selected through an interview process to ensure that only genuinely indigent students benefit from the scheme.
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Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to the Anambra State Governor and a fellow alumnus, lauded the initiative and pledged to sponsor a student. He called on affluent individuals in the state to heed the call and contribute to educational development in their communities.
Chief Ndubusi Nwobu, another alumnus and university council representative, advised students to maintain integrity throughout the selection process. He also pledged to sponsor a student and reiterated his commitment to academic excellence and service to humanity.
Mr Casmiar Nwafor, Chairman of Orumba North Local Government Area and a NAU alumnus, encouraged students to remain focused on their studies. He advised the alumni leadership to formally engage local governments to support student sponsorships as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Dr Obinna Uyaemezina, Chairman of the NAUAA Scholarship and Endowment Committee, assured that the selection process would be fair and impartial, following careful planning.
A beneficiary, Mr Izuchukwu Obi, described the initiative as “great” and expressed optimism about its longevity, believing it would help reduce student drop-out rates.
