Ebonyi State Commissioner for Works, Stanley Lebechi Mbam, has covered the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for 109 indigent students across Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone to improve literacy and ease financial burdens on their families.
Among the beneficiaries were blind students and other disadvantaged learners.
The Commissioner presented cash for the fees at his Abakaliki residence, with the students’ parents in attendance.
Mbam emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure the students sit for their WAEC exams without financial hindrance.
He described education as a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking potential, noting that Ebonyi North remains the most educationally disadvantaged zone in the state—a challenge he is committed to addressing.
He also promised university scholarships to students who achieve outstanding results in the examination and urged parents to avoid pressuring their children into shortcuts for success.
Expressing gratitude to school principals, teachers, and other education stakeholders, Mbam reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the people of his senatorial zone are not left behind educationally.
Mbam commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for appointing him Commissioner and assured that he will touch lives through the position.
Chairman of the committee that selected the beneficiaries, Oliver Nwachukwu described the gesture as a rare opportunity and urged the students to utilize the opportunity.
He implored them to make the Commissioner proud by studying hard for the examination to get good results.
Nwachukwu urged parents to watch over their children in this era of social media where children learn lots of evil instead of reading their books to be useful to themselves and the society.
One of the committee members, Godfrey Chikwere said the beneficiaries were selected based on merit.
He noted that the committee gave about 25% to people with disabilities to ensure equal opportunities and transparency in the selection.
One of the beneficiaries, a blind student, Williams Enyi appreciated the Commissioner for his gesture towards humanity and assured that they will make him, their families and the society proud.