In line with Government decision to promote academic excellence and encourage diligence amongst students, the Cross River State Government has disbursed N15 million scholarships to members of the 2nd Cross River State children's parliament in tertiary institutions to cushion the effect of high cost of higher education.
The scholarship award which was distributed to 14 students who have gained admission to both private and public Universities within the country had Rt. Hon. Endurance Okpa Agbor, Hon. Victor Bassey Eyo, Hon. Kesap Simon Mom, Hon. Ebeko Oko John, Hon. Ernest Effiong Offiong, Hon. Ewa Ekeng Henshaw and Hon. Victoria Effiom Ene-Okon.
Other beneficiaries were; Hon. Justine B. Ugbe, Hon. Princess Nyong Effiom, Hon. Rita O. Lukpata, Hon. Ekpa Effiom Etim, Hon. Nkari Uko Inaku, Hon. Biriwud Atu Ausaji and Hon. Janet Offiong.
Presenting cheques to the beneficiaries, the Acting Executive Secretary of Scholarship Board in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ebri Okoi Eteng disclosed that the scholarship was the first phase of the programme adding that Government will continue to promote competition and encourage excellence through award of scholarships to students who distinguish themselves in academics and excel in educational competitions.
Mr. Eteng stated that the scholarships will run through the duration of their academic programmes in the University, pointing out that His Excellency's benevolence will ginger more students to be creative and hardworking in their chosen fields of endeavour
He also hinted that he has recewed funds approval for the second phase of the exercise which will be disbursed when funds are released.
It could be recalled that His Excellency, Governor Liyel Imoke in an interactive session to mark the 2009 Day of the African Child, promised the 2nd Cross River State children's parliament scholarship upon admission into tertiary institutions. The delay in the take off of the scholarship scheme however, was caused by the inability of most of the students to secure university admissions.
Via: Cross River State Government - Official Press Release