Top students secure ₦190m education funding
*Governor Eno with one of the beneficiaries, Dr Joseph Akpan
Bush Udombo
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has awarded scholarships worth ₦190 million to two students to support their studies in medicine and software engineering.
The beneficiaries are Dr Joseph Akpan, the best graduating student in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo for the 2024/2025 academic session, and Uwakmfon Unwana Jacob.
Akpan received ₦160 million to pursue postgraduate studies in Surgical and Interventional Science at McGill University, Canada, while Jacob was awarded ₦30 million to study Software Engineering at Nile University, Abuja.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also donated $10,000 to each of the beneficiaries.
The awards were announced during activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s anniversary celebration.
The scholarship for Akpan is expected to cover the cost of advanced medical training in a specialised field, while Jacob’s award will support his education in software engineering, one of the fastest-growing sectors of the digital economy.
The intervention represents one of the largest single educational support packages announced for individual students in the state in recent times.
Akpan earned recognition after emerging as the overall best graduating student in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Uyo, while Jacob was selected for his academic performance and admission to study software engineering.
The additional financial support provided by Akpabio increases the value of the package available to both students as they prepare to continue their studies.
The awards come at a time when the cost of higher education, particularly specialised programmes in medicine, science and technology, continues to rise both within and outside Nigeria.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly identified access to funding as one of the major challenges facing academically talented students seeking advanced training.
With the scholarships now secured, the beneficiaries are expected to proceed with their studies in Canada and Abuja, respectively.
The support is aimed at easing the financial burden of their academic programmes and enabling them to focus on their training in their chosen fields.
