We Will Begin Expansion Of Scholarship Scheme For FCT Students — Foundation

The Uzochukwu Akunedozi Foundation has announced plans to increase the number of students benefiting from its scholarship scheme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The founder and Chief Executive Director of the foundation, Chief Uzochukwu Akunedozi, disclosed this during the organisation’s annual meeting with more than 200 scholarship beneficiaries in Abuja.

The event, held at Blake Resort, brought together students from Government Secondary School (GSS), Mpape; Government Model Secondary School (GMSS), Jikwoyi; and Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Caro.

Akunedozi said the foundation was committed to supporting the education and well-being of children from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with opportunities to complete their education.

He urged representatives of the three schools to identify more students from poor families who could be included in the scholarship programme.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden on families and giving disadvantaged children access to educational opportunities.

The foundation’s founder also urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, develop reading and writing habits and avoid excessive use of mobile phones and social media.

He encouraged them to be hardworking, obedient and creative, adding that academic performance would form the basis of a reward scheme for outstanding students.

Akunedozi also announced the appointment of Miss Chibuzor Alaegbu as Director-General of the foundation to oversee its scholarship programme.

He said her responsibilities would include obtaining academic assessment reports from the schools, identifying beneficiaries who might require extra lessons or home tutors and serving as a link between the foundation, schools and students.

He congratulated the beneficiaries on their performance in the last academic session, particularly those who had been appointed school prefects.

Speaking on behalf of the participating schools, the Vice Principal of GMSS Jikwoyi, Mr Maji Labaran, thanked Akunedozi for supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Labaran also appealed to the foundation to consider assisting schools in the FCT with Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities ahead of the planned transition of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations to the format.

A parent, Mrs Joy Emmanuel Okoli, also commended the foundation, saying the scholarship support had helped ease the financial responsibilities of parents.

Similarly, the Head Girl of GMSS Jikwoyi, Akhere Favour Osemudiamen, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to Akunedozi for paying their school fees and helping them continue their education.

She said the intervention had given many students the opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions and look forward to a better future.

The event also featured a presentation on the effects of peer pressure, distribution of school bags and lunch for the beneficiaries.