Ebonyi Govt doles out 2 billion naira for scholarships

From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Executive Council has approved N2bn for the scholarship of 597 beneficiaries to study in Nigerian Universities. The amount covers school fees, research funding and living expenses of the beneficiaries.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor disclosed this to Journalists at a press briefing on the outcome of this week's executive council meeting. He noted that the research funds would be paid to the universities alongside the school fees to avoid mismanagement by the beneficiaries. He added that civil servants who sailed through the eligibility processes of the scholarship programme are to be granted study leave with pay in addition to other privileges. The Commissioner said in order' to ensure smooth take off of academic activities in the University of ICT, Oferekpe, Agbaja and Aeronautic Engineering University, Ezza in the state, the Executive Council approved eight faculty and hostel buildings in the two new universities. Okpor revealed that the council has approved the purchase of two fire fighting trucks for fire disaster following recent fire outbreak in some parts of the state. On infrastructure and health, Okpor said "briefing EXCO on the progress of work on the 2km road in communities across the state, Council directed Commissioners for Infrastructure and that of Finance to ensure that contractors who are yet to receive their payment receive same without further delay. "Also, Council approved release of fund for the construction of about 1km road leading to Ebonyi Waste Pulverization Plant, Enyim, Unwuoghara, and directed Commissioner for Transport and Special Projects to ensure speedy completion. "To further deepen the gains of total resuscitation of the healthcare facilities across the State, Council approved the renovation of Doctors’ Quarters in some General Hospitals".