About N8.5 million has been approved for yearly disbursement to 34 beneficiaries of the 2023 Alex Otti Foundation (AOF) undergraduate scholarship awardees at N250, 000 each for the duration of their various courses of study in the university.

Previously, 200 awardees got N150, 000 each until last weekend when an increase was announced by Abia State Governor, who established the AOF seven years ago, long before he became the governor on May 29, describing it as investing for the future.

Otti announced the increment during a banquet organised by the foundation in honour of the 2022/2023 scholarship awardees, numbering 34, which was held at the Sacramento Event Centre, Isi Court, Amakama, in Umuahia South Council.

Stating that the scholarship programme, which was targeted at bright but indigent students of Abia origin or those resident in the state, was aimed at building and equipping a generation of youths with skills that would enablethem contribute to national development and rule the world from where they find themselves, Otti charged the beneficiaries to develop capacities, speak out against the challenges confronting the nation and proffer solutions.