The Cross River State Government has disbursed ₦10 million in scholarships to 60 students from Abi Local Government Area under its 2025 Education Support Scheme, an initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education for indigent students across the state.
The programme, spearheaded by the State Commissioner for Environment, Moses Osogi, also seeks to promote academic excellence and reduce the financial burdens faced by underprivileged students in tertiary institutions.
Each beneficiary received ₦150,000 during the award presentation ceremony held yesterday at the Sir Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation in Anong, Abi.
Osogi explained that the scholarship programme is part of his broader commitment to human capital development and aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda.
He also announced the flag-off of another ₦20 million scholarship scheme for students from Yakurr Local Government Area.
According to him, the second phase of the initiative would accommodate a larger pool of beneficiaries, given the area’s population size and educational demographics.
He added that the gesture was designed to reward hardworking students and ensure that economic challenges do not force them to abandon their academic aspirations.
“As someone who has passed through the challenges of being a student, I understand what it means to struggle for tuition and other academic needs. This support is to encourage you to remain focused and excel in your studies,” Osogi said.
He urged the beneficiaries to maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 to qualify for future rounds of the programme, describing the scholarship as a legacy project that would be sustained annually.
The commissioner also warned students against social vices such as cultism, examination malpractice, and impersonation, encouraging them to uphold discipline and integrity in their academic pursuits.
He reiterated that education remains a key pillar of the state’s development strategy and pledged continued support for Governor Otu’s vision of building a prosperous and knowledge-driven Cross River State.
In his remarks, Pringle Egbe, Coordinator of the Sir Thompson Egbe Educational Foundation and Sector Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Port Harcourt, described the selection process as transparent and merit-based. He emphasized that only students who met the academic criteria were shortlisted for the award.
Some beneficiaries, including Ntarezep Elijah and Inyang Emmanuel of the University of Calabar, expressed gratitude to the government and Commissioner Osogi for the timely intervention, which they described as both motivating and life-changing.
Goodwill messages also came from community leaders and local government officials, who commended the commissioner for prioritizing education and empowering young people in the state.
