The Unubiko Foundation has awarded scholarships worth over N70 million to Nigerian students, with the presentation ceremony held on Friday in Umuahia, Abia State. The programme runs alongside other ongoing scholarship initiatives by the foundation across the country, targeting academically excellent but less privileged students. Representing Governor Dr Alex Otti, Abia State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof Uche Eme, urged recipients to pay forward the opportunity they have received. "This little candle that has been lit and handed over to you, please let it shine, let it glow, and try to hand it over to another person," she said.
Dr Agbai Eke Agbai, Chairman of the Unubiko Scholarship Committee, represented by Chinasa Ume, affirmed the transparency of the selection process. Dr Christopher Okoro, Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and secretary to the scholarship board, described Chief James Ume as a leader whose impact extends beyond education into healthcare, youth and women empowerment, and community development. The foundation's founder, Chief James Ume, congratulated the awardees, calling them "the true stars of today's celebration" and reminding them that their values and knowledge would shape society's future. He also thanked the scholarship board, his wife Mrs Ngozi James Ume, co-founder of the foundation, and other supporters.
Chief James Ume funding N70 million in scholarships again shows private individuals are filling gaps public institutions have long ignored. When a single philanthropist can impact thousands of students, it exposes how underfunded and inconsistent government educational support remains. This is commendable, but not a substitute for systemic reform.
