Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has awarded scholarships from secondary school to University level, to Enugu – born Master Emmanuel Maduabuchi Chukwu of Government Technical College (GTC), Nsukka and Anambra-born Master Chukwuebuka Udoye of Government Technical College, (G.T.C.), Enugu, who locally manufactured two aircraft (helicopter and jet fighter) and an MP3 radio set, respectively, in the state.
Ugwuanyi announced the scholarships when he received the two students at the Government House, Enugu on Tuesday to appreciate their talents and efforts in promoting technology-based innovation in the state.
The governor also offered a sum of N1 million to the inventor of the two aircraft, Master Chukwu, an indigene of Nnewe in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, and the sum of N500,000.00 to the student of GTC, Enugu, Master Udoye, an indigene of Aguata in Anambra State, who produced the MP3 radio set, to enable them advance their inventions.
Ugwuanyi expressed delight at the inventions of the youngsters, saying, that he is very proud of the students and the many feats the educational system has brought to Enugu State since the inception of his administration,.
“All the money being spent in education is a worthy investment”, he said.
He directed the Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Ezeh, to immediately present to the State Executive Council (EXCO), a memo for the approval of the sum of N100 million for the construction of more classroom blocks in Government Technical Colleges (GTCs) in the state.
The governor also directed the Executive Chairman of Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Dr Gabriel Ajah, to apply for the sum of N50 million for the construction of more technical workshops in GTCs Nsukka and Enugu, and to also request for employment of additional technical teachers, for the EXCO’s approval.
He commended the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ezeh, the Executive Chairman of the STVSMB, Dr. Gabriel Ajah, the Principal of G.T.C, Nsukka, Peter Ugwuokpe, and other stakeholders in the education, for the achievements being recorded in the sector.
“I am proud of all of you. I am proud of the education system in Enugu State. I am excited. The young student from Anambra State, we give you N500,000 and scholarship for manufacturing a radio set in our state”, Ugwuanyi said.
Earlier, the Education Commissioner commended Ugwuanyi for the premium his administration places on education in the state as well as his gesture to meet with the students to encourage and appreciate their talents.
“We are so happy, and we appreciate this honour given to us to come and make this presentation. Your Excellency, your schools are working; this is just one of the many things that are going on in our technical colleges. Thank you for encouraging our young talents. This is part of the legacies you are leaving behind for posterity”.
In an interview, Chukwu and Udoye, expressed their gratitude to Ugwuanyi for honouring them. They said that the encouragement and support from the governor, which they never expected, will spur them to fully actualise their dreams. They urged other children to be obedient to their parents and always listen to good advice. They prayed God to continue to bless Ugwuanyi.
The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze; Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh; the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loans Board (ESSELB), Levi Uche Abonyi; and the mother of Master Chukwu, Mrs. Grace Chukwu, witnessed the event.
