Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
No fewer than 250 students from Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone have received scholarships from the MSL Foundation in a bid to promote access to education and enhance human capital development in Ebonyi State.
The scholarship award ceremony, held in Abakaliki, attracted beneficiaries from Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu Local Government areas, alongside government officials, academics, community leaders and parents.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of the MSL Foundation, Mr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, said the initiative was driven by a desire to give back to society and support young people who remain committed to education despite financial challenges.
Mbam expressed appreciation to the Ebonyi State Government and other stakeholders for fostering an enabling environment for peace, progress and development, noting that the foundation’s contributions were made possible “out of the abundance and grace God has given to my family.”
He explained that while the scholarship programme was limited to Abakaliki Local Government Area in its previous edition, the 2026 edition was expanded to cover the entire Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone, including Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu LGAs.
“Currently, we have about 250 university students registered as beneficiaries, including medical students, engineers and other professionals from different universities,” Mbam said.
“We thank God for this privilege, and we pray that this foundation will continue as long as we live.”
He also disclosed plans to enhance transparency and accountability in future editions by paying tuition fees directly to institutions, rather than disbursing cash to students, to ensure the funds are used strictly for academic purposes.
Chairperson of the occasion, Prof. Nkechinyere Echiegu, a university don, described the initiative as noble and timely, particularly in view of the educational challenges confronting Ebonyi State.
She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity, warning that poor academic performance or misconduct could lead to disqualification from the scheme.
“It is one thing to receive a scholarship and another to utilize it well,” she said.
“You must qualify in both character and learning. Character is even more important because it opens doors.”
Prof. Echiegu also encouraged parents to provide emotional and moral support to their children, stressing that discouraging words and lack of motivation could negatively affect students’ performance.
She further advised students to acquire functional and vocational skills alongside their academic pursuits to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Nkwuagu Virginia Charity, a 100-level Law student from Abakaliki Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the scholarship as a lifeline following the death of her father earlier in the year.
“It has been very difficult for us,” she said. “With this scholarship, I am happy that I can continue my studies in the Faculty of Law.”
Another beneficiary, Mr. Ezike Onyinyechi, who received ₦120,000, pledged to use the funds strictly for payment of his school fees, dismissing concerns about possible diversion of scholarship funds.
The MSL Foundation noted that beyond scholarships, it is also involved in empowerment programmes, skills acquisition initiatives and financial support for small businesses, as part of its broader mission to improve livelihoods at the grassroots.
Stakeholders at the event commended the foundation for its contribution to educational development in Ebonyi State, describing the initiative as a significant step toward addressing educational disadvantage in the area.
