The Enugu State Government has commended Senator Osita Ngwu for investing in the future of young people through his scholarship and bursary programme, pledging to partner with the initiative to strengthen educational development in the state.

Enugu State Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai gave the commendation while representing Governor Peter Mbah at the 2025/2026 Osita Ngwu Scholarship and Bursary Awards held in Enugu.

Ossai described the programme as a laudable effort that supports the state government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy through sustained investments in education. He praised Senator Ngwu for going the extra mile to attract educational opportunities to his constituents, noting that legislators often have to work through complex processes to secure such interventions.

“Parliamentarians do not control public funds like the executive, so when they make these kinds of contributions to their constituents, we must recognise how tireless that effort can be,” the deputy governor said.

Addressing the scholarship beneficiaries, Ossai urged them to justify the investment by striving for academic excellence and returning to contribute meaningfully to society. 

“What we want you to come back with is excellence that is unmatched, honour to all of us and pride in the investment that has been made in you,” he stated.

The deputy governor noted that Enugu State remains uniquely positioned as a centre of academic excellence, boasting one of the highest concentrations of tertiary institutions in Africa. 

According to him, this advantage provides the state with the intellectual capacity required to transform its economy into a knowledge-based one. He explained that the state government has continued to prioritise education, citing the ongoing Smart Green Schools initiative and the comprehensive reforms in the state’s education system. Ossai disclosed that the state government is investing heavily in rebuilding the school system and redesigning the education curriculum to align with global standards.

He said the government welcomes Senator Ngwu’s proposal for partnership to ensure the sustainability of the scholarship programme, noting that the Smart Green Schools initiative provides facilities such as computers, power supply and modern learning materials that could support the scheme.

“I am happy that you already have the approval of the Governor to partner with us, and we are ready to work with you to build a framework for that collaboration,” he said.

Ossai also used the opportunity to call for renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector, warning against the growing trend of Nigerians abandoning the country’s educational institutions for schools abroad. He urged national leaders to implement policies that would improve the quality, accountability and competitiveness of Nigerian universities.     

According to him, funding and governance reforms are essential to restoring confidence in the nation’s education system.

The deputy governor further advocated a more coordinated approach between federal lawmakers and state governments in the execution of constituency projects to avoid duplication and ensure equitable distribution of development projects. He stressed that such collaboration would help maximise resources and deliver greater benefits to citizens.

The event drew government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and education stakeholders, alongside the scholarship beneficiaries.

Ossai concluded by urging the beneficiaries to remain focused and accountable, reminding them that the scholarship represents both an opportunity and a responsibility to excel and give back to society.