By Ukpa Ewa
As part of efforts to ease financial pressures on students and strengthen alumni network, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association (NAUAA) has awarded scholarships to 41 indigent undergraduates of the institution under its 2025/2026 support programme.
The scholarships were presented during the maiden NAUAA Scholarship Award ceremony held at Chisco Institute, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, making it the first scholarship initiative in the history of the association.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Global President of NAUAA, Chief Ikechukwu Umeh, described the programme as the fulfillment of a collective vision unveiled on June 13, 2025, under the theme, “Empowering Dreams, Building the Future.” He noted that the initiative was both symbolic and practical, reflecting the alumni’s commitment to giving back to society and sustaining the university’s legacy of excellence.
According to Chief Umeh, nominations were received from all faculties across Awka, Nnewi and Agulu campuses of the university. He explained that rigorous screening process conducted through physical and virtual interactions by the scholarship subcommittee ensured transparency and due process. Out of 68 nominations received, 41 students met the criteria and were recommended for the award, including three persons with disabilities who recorded 4.00 CGPA.
He further said that each beneficiary would receive ₦100,000 per academic session as tuition support. The scholarship, he said, is renewable until graduation, provided beneficiaries continue to meet the required academic standards. Chief Umeh appreciated donors who supported the scheme and called on more alumni and corporate organizations to contribute to the fund. He urged beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined and committed to academic excellence, stressing that they now carry the hopes of the NAUAA family.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Bernard Anyaehie, expressed delight over the initiative, describing it as a truly fulfilling intervention. He commended the alumni for their commitment and encouraged others to be proactive in supporting indigent students. He also pledged the university’s continued partnership with NAUAA and advised beneficiaries to promptly pay their school fees upon receiving the grants.
Similarly, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described the scholarship as a bold and impactful step. She noted that the gathering was not about wealth display but about lives transformed. She reminded the students that diligence and hard work were essential for success, adding that beneficiaries now owe a moral debt to society and should emulate the alumni by being useful to their communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion and Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Hon. Casmir Nwafor, recounted his personal struggles as a student, during which he undertook menial jobs to fund his education. He advised beneficiaries not to take the opportunity for granted and encouraged them to acquire vocational skills. He also announced plans by his local government to introduce an initial ₦1 million scholarship fund for indigent students, which he said would increase over time. He reaffirmed the Anambra State Government commitment to education under Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Also speaking, the Dean of Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Virginia Ejiofor, praised the alumni leadership, noting that the scholarship would enable beneficiaries to attain greater academic heights.
In his vote of thanks, Victor Udemba, a 200 level Mathematics student, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, saying that the scholarship would motivate them to work harder and maintain the 4.00 CGPA required for renewal. He prayed for increased opportunities and blessings for the alumni.
Some beneficiaries who are persons with disabilities, including Charles Kosarachi (Psychology), Obi Onyeka (Guidance and Counselling) and Nnonyelu Chisom (Guidance and Counselling), also expressed appreciation for the gesture.
Dignitaries at the event included 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.
Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
