Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has rolled out a free bursary and JAMB registration scheme for indigent students, in a move widely hailed as a practical demonstration of compassion and youth-focused leadership.
No fewer than 180 students benefited from the initiative, which was fully sponsored by Ajagba and held at Umuezegu Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Ajagba said the programme was designed to break the financial barriers that often prevent brilliant but underprivileged youths from accessing higher education. He emphasized that the intervention was a personal initiative and not funded by the state government.
He noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains strongly committed to youth development and future readiness, citing initiatives such as the Abia Leadership Academy and TechRise, which he said were established to equip young people with relevant skills for a rapidly evolving global economy.
“Education remains the most reliable pathway to a secure and meaningful future,” Ajagba said.
“This support is to give you a fair chance to compete, succeed, and change your life story. I want you to see this opportunity as a turning point not just for yourselves, but for your families.”
In an emotional personal reflection, the Chief of Staff revealed that he sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination eight times before finally gaining admission into the university, a journey he said taught him the values of perseverance, resilience, and faith.
“If I had given up after the first few attempts, I would not be here today partnering with His Excellency to help reshape and rebrand Abia State,” he said, urging the beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined, and determined.
Ajagba cautioned the students to deploy the funds strictly for educational purposes, assuring them that the initiative would be expanded to support youths in vocational skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and other empowerment programmes.
He further shared his vision of an Abia State where every household can proudly boast of at least one graduate and one financially independent individual, challenging the beneficiaries to become trailblazers and sources of inspiration in their families.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Favour Nmesomachi, Dickson Success, Ndubuisi Divine, and Gift Onwughara, described the intervention as life-changing, saying it had rekindled their hope and renewed their determination to pursue academic excellence.
They expressed profound gratitude to Ajagba for what they described as a rare and selfless act of leadership, offering prayers for his continued strength, protection, and success, while pledging to justify the confidence reposed in them and make Abia State proud.
