By Gabriel Chy Alonta
On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the Department of Zoology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, awarded full scholarships to three deserving 300-level students for the 2024/2025 academic session. The beneficiaries, Mmesoma Linda Nwosu, Promise Chukwuaguguom Edozie, and Felicity Chidera Nnaji, collectively received a cheque totalling N300,000.
During the cheque presentation at the Departmental Board Room, Prof. Damian Ezeonyejiaku, Head of the Department of Zoology, congratulated the students and emphasized the importance of the initiative. He noted that this was the first time such scholarships were being awarded and expressed hope that the program would continue. He thanked the Departmental Board and friends of the Department for contributing to the fund and supporting the students.
Prof. Ezeonyejiaku explained that the scholarship aimed to assist indigent students struggling to pay their tuition, hoping that these students would give back to their alma mater in the future. He also acknowledged the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, and the Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences, Prof. Innocent Igwilo, for creating a supportive environment for the Department's growth.
The Dean of Biosciences, Prof. Igwilo, praised the initiative and encouraged other Departments to adopt similar measures to support their students. Dr. Chidiogo Nwadike, Head of the Committee on Student Scholarship and Welfare, outlined the selection process and expressed appreciation to those involved.
In response, the beneficiaries expressed their deep gratitude for the financial assistance, pledging to work hard academically and give back to the Department in the future.
Factcheckng reports that the initiative was the brainchild of Prof. Ezeonyejiaku aimed at alleviating hardship faced by some indigent students in the Department. The initiative is planned to be sustained every academic session.