Get Guardian on GoogleThe Uzochukwu Akunedozi Foundation has announced plans to expand its scholarship programme for students from financially disadvantaged families in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as more than 200 beneficiaries gathered for its annual meeting with the organisation’s founder.
The event, held at Blake Resort, Abuja, brought together scholarship recipients from three secondary schools, their representatives, parents and officials of the foundation.
The founder of the organisation and Chief Executive Officer of Blake Resort, Chief Uzochukwu Akunedozi, said the scholarship initiative was intended to help children from low-income households remain in school and pursue their education without the financial difficulties associated with school fees.
He said the foundation would seek to increase the number of beneficiaries across the participating schools while introducing additional measures to monitor their academic progress.
The students were drawn from Government Secondary School, Mpape; Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi; and Government Day Secondary School, Caro.
Addressing the students, Akunedozi said he considered educational assistance an important means of improving opportunities for children whose families might otherwise struggle to meet schooling costs.
He explained that the foundation’s work was motivated by a desire to provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities comparable to those available to children from more financially secure households.
According to him, the organisation intends to identify additional students who require assistance.
Akunedozi asked representatives of the three schools to recommend more children from financially disadvantaged families for inclusion in the scholarship programme.
He said the foundation was prepared to extend sponsorship to eligible students identified through the schools.
Akunedozi encouraged the scholarship recipients to take their studies seriously and develop habits that would support their academic development.
He advised them to devote sufficient time to reading and writing, prepare independently for examinations and maintain discipline in their daily activities.
The foundation’s founder also urged the students to demonstrate creativity, obedience and a willingness to work towards their educational goals.
He cautioned against excessive use of mobile phones and social media, particularly where such activities interfere with studying.
According to him, the financial assistance provided by the foundation should be matched by a commitment from beneficiaries to improve their academic performance.
He congratulated students who had performed well during the previous academic session, including those selected for leadership responsibilities in their schools.
“Congratulations on your last performance. I am a proud father seeing you all doing well in your respective classes and schools,” Akunedozi said.
“For those among you that the schools found worthy of being appointed prefects, I am proud of you and urge you all to keep up the hard work.”
He also announced plans to introduce rewards for outstanding academic performance.
“We will introduce rewards based on excellent performance in this academic session and going forward,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen the administration of the scholarship scheme, Akunedozi announced the appointment of Chibuzor Alaegbu as Director-General of the Uzochukwu Akunedozi Foundation.
He said Alaegbu would oversee the programme and serve as a liaison between the foundation, participating schools and scholarship beneficiaries.
Her responsibilities will include obtaining academic assessment reports from the schools and monitoring the progress of individual students.
According to Akunedozi, the reports will help the foundation identify beneficiaries who may require additional academic support.
Such assistance could include extra classes or home tutoring for students experiencing difficulties in particular subjects.
He said the foundation also wanted to maintain closer contact with the students to better understand their educational needs.
The appointment introduces a more structured approach to scholarship administration, moving beyond the payment of school fees to include monitoring and possible academic interventions.
Speaking on behalf of the participating schools, the Vice-Principal of Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi, Maji Labaran, commended the foundation for supporting students from financially disadvantaged households.
Labaran said the scholarship programme had helped families meet educational expenses and enabled beneficiaries to continue their studies.
He also appealed to Akunedozi to consider extending the foundation’s assistance to the provision of computer-based testing facilities in FCT schools.
The school official linked the request to preparations for the increasing use of computer-based examinations by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
His appeal drew attention to the need for schools to equip students with the digital skills and facilities required for computer-based assessments.
Such preparation may involve access to computers, reliable electricity, appropriate software and opportunities for students to practise using examination interfaces.
A parent, Joy Emmanuel Okoli, also expressed appreciation to the foundation for helping families meet the cost of their children’s education.
She said the intervention had reduced some of the financial pressure experienced by parents whose children were benefiting from the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the scholarship recipients, the Head Girl of Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi, Akhere Favour Osemudiamen, thanked Akunedozi for supporting students across the three schools.
She said the assistance had enabled beneficiaries to continue their education and pursue their academic ambitions.
“On behalf of all the students, teachers and management of these schools, I sincerely want to say a very big thank you for your kindness and generosity in paying our school fees for more than a year now,” she said.
According to Osemudiamen, the scholarship programme had provided reassurance to students whose families might otherwise struggle to meet educational expenses.
“You have not only paid our school fees; you have given many students the opportunity to continue their education, pursue their dreams, and look forward to a brighter future,” she added.
She also expressed appreciation on behalf of the students and offered prayers for the foundation’s founder.
The annual gathering included activities intended to encourage interaction between the foundation’s leadership and the beneficiaries.
Guest speakers addressed the students on personal development and responsible behaviour.
One of the sessions focused on the effects of peer pressure and the importance of making appropriate decisions during adolescence.
The programme also featured the distribution of school bags to beneficiaries.
Students were subsequently treated to lunch with Akunedozi and other participants.
