Citypost News Desk
In a landmark move to cushion the financial burden on students and deepen alumni engagement, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association (NAUAA) has awarded scholarships to 41 indigent undergraduates of the institution under its 2025/2026 scholarship support programme.
The scholarships were formally presented during the maiden NAUAA Scholarship Award Ceremony held at the Chisco Institute, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, marking the first scholarship initiative in the history of the alumni body.
Speaking at the event, the Global President of NAUAA, Chief Ikechukwu Umeh, described the programme as the realization of a shared vision unveiled on June 13, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Dreams, Building the Future.” He explained that the initiative was designed not only to provide financial relief but also to demonstrate the alumni’s enduring commitment to giving back to society and preserving the university’s tradition of excellence.
Chief Umeh disclosed that nominations were drawn from all faculties across the Awka, Nnewi and Agulu campuses of the university. He noted that a rigorous screening exercise conducted through both physical and virtual interactions by the scholarship subcommittee was employed to ensure transparency and fairness. Out of 68 nominations received, 41 students successfully met the eligibility criteria and were approved for the award. Among the beneficiaries were three persons with disabilities who recorded an impressive 4.00 CGPA.
According to him, each beneficiary will receive ₦100,000 per academic session as tuition support. The scholarship is renewable until graduation, subject to the beneficiaries maintaining the required academic performance. He expressed appreciation to donors who supported the initiative and appealed to more alumni and corporate organizations to contribute to the scholarship fund. He also charged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, focused and committed to academic excellence, reminding them that they now bear the aspirations of the entire NAUAA family.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Benard Anyaehie, expressed joy over the initiative, describing it as a timely and fulfilling intervention. He commended the alumni for their commitment to the welfare of students and encouraged other stakeholders to emulate the gesture. The Vice-Chancellor pledged the university’s continued collaboration with NAUAA and advised the beneficiaries to ensure prompt payment of their school fees upon receipt of the grants.
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described the scholarship scheme as a bold and impactful statement, stressing that the event was not about the display of wealth but about transforming lives. She urged the students to embrace diligence and hard work, noting that the support they received placed a moral responsibility on them to give back to society in the future.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion and Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Hon. Casmir Nwafor, shared his personal experience of hardship as a student, recounting how he engaged in menial jobs to finance his education. He advised the beneficiaries to value the opportunity and encouraged them to acquire vocational skills alongside their studies.
He further announced plans by the Orumba North Local Government to establish an initial ₦1 million scholarship fund for indigent students, with a promise that the fund would grow over time. He reaffirmed the Anambra State Government’s commitment to education under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Virginia Ejiofor, applauded the leadership of the alumni association, expressing confidence that the scholarship would empower beneficiaries to reach greater academic heights.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Udemba Victor, a 200-level Mathematics student, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, stating that the scholarship would inspire them to work harder and sustain the 4.00 CGPA benchmark required for renewal. He prayed for greater strength and resources for the alumni to expand the initiative.
Some beneficiaries who are persons with disabilities; Charles Kasarachi (Psychology), Obi Onyeka (Guidance and Counselling) and Nnonyelu Chisom (Guidance and Counselling), also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support, describing it as life-changing.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the NAUAA Vice President (East), Engr. Francis Ochomma; NAUAA National Vice President (North), Dr. Obinna Uyaemezina; and the Secretary of the NAUAA Scholarship and Empowerment Committee, Dr. Chikodili Anaukwu, among others.
