By Sochima Agbo 

Enugu, Nigeria - October 30, 2025

A delegation of student leaders from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Barrister Steve Oruruo, to present him with a Merit Award for Outstanding Humanitarian Service.

The delegation, comprising executives of the Department of Political Science, was officially led by Comrade Onuzulike Michael Chinemelum, who represented the President of the National Association of Political Science Students (NAPSS), Comrade Okwor ThankGod Chinonso.

Comrade Onuzulike, who is also the President of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy Students’ Network (COPDEM SN), Enugu State, explained that the decision to honour Barr. Oruruo was reached after an online survey and discreet investigation conducted by the student leaders, which revealed his consistent philanthropic gestures through the Steve Oruruo Foundation.

He noted that their findings showed Barr. Oruruo had supported numerous indigent students with scholarships and empowerment programmes, often without publicity. According to him, Oruruo’s humility and genuine commitment to human capital development distinguished him from other nominees and earned him the department’s top honour.

“We discovered that Barr. Oruruo has touched many lives silently through his foundation, offering scholarships and support to underprivileged students. His modesty and selfless service inspired us to honour him,” Comrade Onuzulike stated.

In his response, Barr. Oruruo expressed deep appreciation to the student leaders for recognizing his efforts and commended their commitment to promoting humanitarian values and celebrating true leadership.

He revealed that he often declines award offers, especially when he feels they are not merited, but accepted this one because of the credibility and diligence the students demonstrated in their selection process.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Barr. Oruruo described his late father as “an ecclesiastical and charismatic gentleman who placed premium on the quality of an individual’s character and lifestyle.”

He added that, as the son of a civil servant and teacher, he understands the struggles of brilliant but less privileged students and remains committed to supporting their education through the Steve Oruruo Foundation.

“I usually reject awards when I feel they are not merited. But this recognition means a lot to me because it came from young people who went beyond the media to investigate and confirm the truth,” Oruruo said.

Barr. Oruruo urged the students to remain steadfast in their academic pursuits and uphold the virtues of integrity, discipline, and excellence, assuring them of his continued support for educational development initiatives.

The visit, which took place at the Enugu State PDP Secretariat, ended with a brief interactive session where Barr. Oruruo encouraged the young scholars to take active interest in leadership, politics, and nation-building. 

- AnchorNews