By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Ebonyi State Government has voted the sum two billion Naira for the purpose of sponsoring indigenes of the State further their studies.
About 597 persons have been approved for sponsorship to pursue their post graduate studies in any of the Nigerian Universities .
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor announced this on Tuesday, July 2 2024 ,while briefing the Media at the end the State’s Executive Council Meeting, .
According to him, the scholarship package will cover tuition fees, general up keep of the beneficiaries and research funds.
However, the research funds and school fees of the beneficiaries will be channeled straight to the accounts of the institutions, so as to avoid misapplication of the funds .
Beneficiaries within the State Civil Service are, also, to be granted study leave with pay, as well as the preservation of other privileges .
Engr. Okpor added that the sum of two billion Naira has been set aside for a seamless implementation of the scholarship package.
In the same vein, the Executive Council approved the construction of eight faculty buildings and hostel facilities at the State Aeronautics Engineering University in Ezza and the University of ICT in Oferekpe Agbaja.
The Commissioner explained that the structures are to facilitate the commencement of full academic programmes at the Institutions.
” Recall that the Executive Council had earlier approved the construction of the above mentioned buildings and further approved the award of contracts and release of funds to successful bidders for immediate commencement of the projects.” Engr Okpor noted .
Other projects approved by the Council, according to the Commissioner, were the completion of Ebonyi Trade Centre which will host Ebonyi Trade Centre and Ebonyi Hotels .
“Executive Council approved a design of a new Estate at the city ,centre to be known as Nnodo-Ekumenyi Palm Boulevard.
“The Estate will be adorned with facilities such as ,civic centres ,recreational facilities,banks ,shopping malls and other business havens.
This is partly in fulfillment of His Excellency’s People,s ‘Charter of Needs Manifestos to build Smart Cities across the State to enhance the aesthetic standard of the major cities in the State”, the Commissioner stated.
