In a remarkable gesture of educational support and human capital development, Hon. Oden Ewa, Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations and Chairman of the Green Economy Initiative in Cross River State, officially flagged off the award of 150 scholarships to students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, for the 2025/2026 academic session. The initiative, under the auspices of the Oden Ewa Foundation, marks a significant milestone in the foundation’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through quality education.
The flag-off ceremony, which took place at the Federal Polytechnic Ugep, was graced by the Rector of the institution, Professor Edward Okey; the Registrar, Mr. Arikpo Eno; and several key members of the management team. The presence of these dignitaries underlined the importance and credibility of the event.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Usani Joseph, Director of Administration of the Oden Ewa Foundation, stated that the scholarship initiative was a proactive response to the pressing challenges facing the institution, including dwindling enrollment and diminishing academic enthusiasm among prospective students. He emphasized that the scholarship aims not only to ease financial burdens but also to reignite a passion for academic excellence.
According to Dr. Usani, “This scholarship is born out of the understanding that we must build capacity through education, in line with global best practices. In this robotic era championed by artificial intelligence, the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, stands uniquely positioned to provide the needed technological and vocational skills for national development. It is our belief that through such interventions, we can shape a generation that will compete favorably on the global stage.”
Hon. Oden Ewa, whose philanthropic footprint continues to expand across the state, reiterated that the scholarship program is designed to be inclusive and equitable. He stressed that the opportunity is open to all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or socio-economic backgrounds, reflecting the Foundation’s belief in equal access to education.
During the event, the scholarship forms were officially handed over to the Registrar, Mr. Arikpo Eno, who expressed gratitude to Hon. Oden Ewa and the Foundation for their timely and generous intervention. He assured that the institution would ensure a transparent process in the selection of beneficiaries.
Prospective students are advised to collect the forms from the Registrar’s office at no cost. Upon completion, the forms are to be submitted back to the institution, after which successful candidates will be contacted directly by the Foundation. The scholarship covers tuition and other essential academic support services for the duration of the beneficiaries’ studies.
This initiative is not only expected to increase the institution’s enrolment rate but also to uplift the academic standards of beneficiaries and inspire a culture of excellence among the student population. It stands as a shining example of how private philanthropic efforts can support public educational institutions and contribute to national development.
The Oden Ewa Foundation continues to demonstrate that the future of Nigeria lies in strategic investments in education and youth empowerment.
