Godswill Ezennwa, a 400-level Medicine and Surgery student at Abia State University, recently shared his surprise after receiving a ₦200,000 education grant from Senator Austin Akobundu. Ezennwa admitted he originally believed the offer was a scam, but changed his mind once the funds appeared in his bank account. He was one of more than 200 students from the Abia Central Senatorial District to receive support, which also included full scholarships for 113 National Teachers’ Institute students.
During the Umuahia event, Senator Akobundu emphasized that financial struggles should not force any student in his district to abandon their studies. He stated that his office is committed to preventing educational dropouts due to poverty. Beyond direct grants, the senator highlighted his broader human capital development efforts, including vocational training in areas like agriculture, manufacturing, and digital skills for thousands of constituents.
Akobundu also addressed his transition from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress, noting that he chose the latter after his former party encountered significant internal difficulties. He expressed optimism about the growth of the ADC in Abia State. Various academic and local leaders praised the senator’s initiative, labeling it a sustainable method of empowerment that prioritizes long-term investment over temporary relief.