Edith CHUKU
Three more indigenes of Akwa Ibom State will be leaving Nigeria for the United Kingdom for fully funded Master’s Degree Programme, all thanks to the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Unyime Idem.
As part of his education advancement initiative for his constituents, Idem held a send forth for another set of three Akwa Ibomites.
Idem, who is also the chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Public Procurements, revealed that the scholarship was in fulfilment of his promise to train hundreds of Akwa Ibomites abroad for self-sufficiency, value addition and the overall development of the state.
According to him, “the beneficiaries are part of the third batch of Akwa Ibomites I have sponsored on scholarship to the United Kingdom to pursue master’s and PhD programmes.
“The beneficiaries, their institutions and courses are: Blessing Emediong Godwin — University of Exeter, United Kingdom (MSc Public Health), Edidiong Michael — University of Manchester, United Kingdom (MSc Public Health) and Idongesit Godswill Wilson — University of Exeter, United Kingdom (MSc Accounting and Finance)”
He also provided them with financial support and urged them to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria, while taking their studies seriously.
“I told them that everything they need to be comfortable in the United Kingdom has been provided. Their tuition fees, accommodation, feeding, return airfare to and from the United Kingdom and other sundry expenses have been taken care of.
“I therefore expect them to study diligently and graduate as the very best, to make me proud, make Akwa Ibom State proud and, ultimately, make Nigeria proud as ambassadors of the state and country in the United Kingdom.
“I also informed them that the programme allows them to take up part-time jobs at their convenience, urging them to make good use of the opportunity.
“As part of our efforts to support the development of our state, I urged the beneficiaries to see the opportunity as a platform to acquire the knowledge, skills and global exposure needed for their self-development and to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Akwa Ibom State.
“I reminded them that they will return home with the knowledge and experience gained abroad and, in turn, have the responsibility to train and inspire others.”
Responding, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to him for giving them the opportunity to study abroad, describing the scholarship as life-changing.
Further, they promised to make him, the state and Nigeria proud.
