Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Senator Austin Akobundu representing Abia Central (PDP), Senator Austin Akobundu, has awarded scholarships to 113 students as the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), inaugurated its study centre at Oboro Ikwuano.
Akobundu who spoke during the matriculation of 157 students of the institute weekend, said the gesture was in fulfillment of his campaign promises which amongst them centered on human capacity development.
The scholarship award is spread across the six Local Government Areas of Abia Central namely: Ikwuano, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma.
Senator Akobundu who was the Special Guest at the inauguration/ matriculation of students of National Teachers’ Institute, Oboro Ikwuano Study Centre held at Oboro High School, observed that he had earlier promised to better the lots of his constituents as long as he had the opportunity.
This, he explained, informed his decision to sponsor 113 of them for the three-year course that will lead them to obtain an NCE after graduation from the institute.
The Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, announced that registration had commenced for his scholarship programme for regular students in tertiary institutions.
He also announced his readiness to launch his entrepreneurship technological training scheme due to commence very soon.
According to him, the programme is aimed at equipping its participants with the essential business skills and knowledge required to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological industry.
Speaking at the event, the National Director and Chief Executive Officer of NTI, Prof Musa Garba Maitafsir, represented by the State Coordinator of NTI, Mrs Benita Oviosun, disclosed that the institute would soon become a degree awarding institute, saying that a Bill to that effect has passed its seconding reading in the House of Representatives.
The Manager of the study centre, Rev. Uche Emenike, said the institute had gone far in transforming its educational activities from traditional to modern method, analogue to modern, and better to best way of offering academic service to students.
The facilitator of the Oboro Ikwuano Study Centre, Hon. Phillip Iroegbulam, thanked Akobundu for assisting some people of the senatorial district to acquire higher education and described teaching as godly and noble profession.
He expressed hope that with the take-off of the study centre greater developments would come to the LGA.
