Foundation Warns Scholarship Beneficiaries Against Diversion Of Funds

The founder, Mbam Lebechi Stanley (MLS) Foundation, Mr Lebechi Mbam, has warned beneficiaries of his scholarship programme to shun the temptation of using the funds for other irrelevant things but to use the fund for the payment of their school fees.

About 250 students from Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone benefitted from the scholarship programme which is aimed at  promoting access to education and enhance human capital development in the state.

The scholarship award ceremony, held in Abakaliki, attracted beneficiaries from Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu local government areas, alongside government officials, academics, community leaders and parents.

The founder, Mr. Mbam said that he was driven by a desire to give back to society and support young people who remain committed to education despite financial challenges.

Mbam expressed appreciation to the Ebonyi State Government and other stakeholders for fostering an enabling environment for peace, progress and development, noting that the foundation’s contributions were made possible “out of the abundance and grace God has given to my family.”

He explained that while the scholarship programme was limited to Abakaliki local government area in its previous edition, the 2026 edition was expanded to cover the entire Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, including Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu LGAs.

“Currently, we have about 250 university students registered as beneficiaries, including medical students, engineers and other professionals from different universities,” Mbam said.

“We thank God for this privilege, and we pray that this foundation will continue as long as we live.”

He also disclosed plans to enhance transparency and accountability in future editions by paying tuition fees directly to institutions, rather than disbursing cash to students, to ensure the funds are used strictly for academic purposes.

The chairman of the event, Prof. Nkechi Echiegu encouraged parents to provide emotional and moral support to their children, stressing that discouraging words and lack of motivation could negatively affect students’ performance.

She further advised students to acquire functional and vocational skills alongside their academic pursuits to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Nkwuagu Virginia Charity, a 100-level Law student from Abakaliki local government area, expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the scholarship as a lifeline following the death of her father earlier in the year.

“It has been very difficult for us,” she said. “With this scholarship, I am happy that I can continue my studies in the Faculty of Law.