Nwifuru praised over massive investments in Ebonyi education sector

Education

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has received commendation for what supporters described as his administration’s strong commitment to transforming the education sector in Ebonyi State over the past three years.

Human capital development, with emphasis on education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, forms a major component of the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda aimed at improving the welfare and economic empowerment of residents.

According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Ebonyi Governor (New Media), Leo Ekene Oketa, titled “When a State Invests in its Future, This is What it looks like,” the Nwifuru administration has implemented and funded several educational projects and programmes across the state.

Among the initiatives highlighted was the award of fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarships to more than 700 Ebonyi indigenes in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

The statement also noted that the administration has upgraded facilities and increased funding for Ebonyi State University (EBSU), with academic staff reportedly receiving a 20 per cent salary increase, while non-academic workers now earn an additional 10 per cent increase.

To encourage academic excellence, the government also introduced automatic employment and scholarship opportunities for first-class graduates of EBSU.

The statement further praised the progress recorded in the development of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe, and the University of Aeronautics Engineering, describing the projects as institutions “springing up in measured quality.”

According to the statement, the administration has also introduced free transportation for students travelling to and from universities through Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.

It added that construction is ongoing on more than 39 model secondary schools across the state, with 22-classroom blocks designed to improve learning infrastructure.

The government is also constructing pilot primary schools aimed at standardising learning environments and raising educational standards across Ebonyi State.

In partnership with the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), the administration is equally constructing over 50 additional 12-classroom blocks, many of which are nearing completion.

Learning materials are also reportedly being distributed free of charge to students to ease financial pressure on parents and improve access to education.

“These are quality investments in generations, because education is the foundation of impact. And for three years, Governor Francis Nwifuru has made a positive impact in the lives of Ebonyi people,” the statement added.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has hailed the rapid progress in constructing the University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe Agbaja, describing it as a legacy project set to transform education and digital innovation in Ebonyi State.

In a statement issued on Monday alongside a video showing the advanced level of construction work at the university site, Governor Nwifuru said his administration remains committed to delivering quality education for the citizens and the world-class infrastructure needed at the specialised institution.