By Israel Mbam
Stakeholders in Ikwo Local Government Area, including the Council Chairman, Barr. Sunday Nwankwo; the National President of Ikwo Development Union, Elder Dr. Sam Egwu; alongside community leaders and parents, have commended the education-driven initiative of Chief Arc. Christian Asaga Nwali.
They gave the commendation during the final screening and examination for the 2026 C-SAGAS Charity Foundation ₦25 million scholarship and bursary scheme, which attracted over 170 students from Ikwo LGA currently enrolled in various tertiary institutions.
Speaking to journalists after the exercise, stakeholders described the process as transparent, credible, and merit-based. They noted that the successful conduct of the screening, examination, and eventual award of scholarships marks another significant milestone in efforts to expand access to higher education for deserving students within Ikwo and beyond.
The exercise was held at the Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, and featured shortlisted candidates drawn from all 20 wards in the local government area. All participants had earlier met the foundation’s eligibility criteria.
Selection into the programme was strictly based on academic merit and adherence to application guidelines. The ₦25 million scholarship scheme targets 100- and 200-level undergraduates, requiring a minimum Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) score of 200 for fresh entrants and a minimum CGPA of 3.00 for 200-level students.
The State Coordinator, Dr. Obisi Nweke, described the examination process as competitive, fair, and transparent, stressing that adequate measures were put in place to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates.
In a message delivered on his behalf by the Head of Academics and Skill Acquisition, Prof. Arthur Nwachukwu, the foundation’s founder, Chief Arc. Christian Asaga Nwali, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students. He explained that the initiative is part of a broader vision to promote education and youth empowerment across the region.
He further revealed that the scholarship programme will now become an annual initiative, with plans to expand its reach beyond Ikwo Local Government Area.
At the end of the exercise, 20 successful candidates—each representing one of the 20 wards in Ikwo LGA—were awarded scholarships worth ₦1 million each to support their tuition and other academic expenses.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the awardees from Ekpelu, Eche Samuel, expressed deep appreciation to the foundation, noting that the support would significantly ease their academic and financial burdens.
Organisers stated that the successful completion of the exercise further reinforces the C-SAGAS Charity Foundation’s growing reputation as a major contributor to educational development in Nigeria. They emphasized that such private-sector interventions remain vital in complementing government efforts to expand access to quality higher education.
