President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday emphasised the importance of education as he announced a personal donation of ₦100 million to support educational and empowerment initiatives led by the Senator representing Enugu West, Osita Ngwu.
Ngwu unveiled a ₦250 million scholarship and bursary scheme for about 5,000 students from the Enugu West Senatorial District under his Enugu West Academy (EWA) programme.
Speaking at the event in Enugu, Akpabio, who was the special guest, described himself as a “proud and passionate in-law” of the state.
The Senate President said he was impressed by the scale of the Enugu West Academy initiative, which reportedly trains nearly 9,000 participants, noting that grassroots educational investments are key to tackling poverty and crime.
“I came here thinking I would leave within an hour for another function, but seeing the magnitude of what is happening, I told my pilot to stand down,” Akpabio said.
“This is an uncommon project. While some are giving out clay pots and burial materials, implying their people should die, Osita is doling out hope and telling children to go to school.”
Akpabio also highlighted his personal and academic ties to the state, recalling that his late uncle, Dr. I.U. Akpabio, served as Minister of Education in the former Eastern Region and played a role in the establishment of the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
He added that he is an honorary scholar and PhD holder from the institution, noting that a hall at the university is named after his family.
The Senate President also acknowledged the role of his wife, whom he described as a daughter of the state, adding that she was currently preparing for the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu.
In a lighthearted remark, Akpabio urged the Enugu State House of Assembly to consider enacting what he jokingly called a “Marriage Account” law, which would require prominent in-laws of the state to periodically report their contributions to its development.
“I come every year to give an account of my marriage. Let all our in-laws do the same. We have good products in Enugu, and they are very marketable. Please, when you pass that law, add my name as the first to comply,” he said, drawing laughter from dignitaries at the event, including the Deputy Governor of Enugu State.
Akpabio also highlighted several development projects he had supported in the state, including a 1.6-kilometre asphalted road to a monastery, a 1.5-kilometre road in Opi, Nsukka, and the proposed 2025 Delta Water Scheme, aimed at providing potable water to several communities.
Reflecting on his personal journey, the Senate President recounted how he began a scholarship programme in 1988 shortly after graduating, encouraging beneficiaries of the Enugu West Academy initiative to one day give back to society.
Ngwu explained that the 2024–2026 scholarship distribution was part of broader efforts to invest in the development of young people in the zone.
According to him, the most important investment any leader can make is in human capacity development, noting that education equips citizens with the skills needed to think, innovate and lead.
He revealed that in 2024, 18 outstanding students studying in universities across Nigeria received scholarships worth ₦81 million through the academy.
While congratulating beneficiaries of the latest scholarship awards, Ngwu reaffirmed his commitment to the academy’s guiding philosophy: “Leave no child behind in Enugu West Zone.”
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