Eleven beneficiaries head to top UK universities for advanced studies worth $40,000 each
By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu
In a major boost to human capital development, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, has facilitated postgraduate foreign scholarships for eleven distinguished indigenes of the state under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 2025 scheme.
The scholars, each awarded $40,000, will pursue postgraduate studies in leading United Kingdom universities across a range of disciplines critical to Nigeria’s growth, including artificial intelligence, public health, environmental sustainability, business law, data science, civil engineering, and international business.
Among the beneficiaries are:
1. Nkese Itam Eyo – MSc Artificial Intelligence and Human Factors, Coventry University.
2. Emmanuel Nsemo – MSc Public Health, University of Huddersfield.
3. Emmanuel Efa Ojong – MSc Environmental Sustainability and Management, Coventry University.
4. Benedict Behawhe Ogar – LLM International Business Law, Kingston University.
5. Edem Edem – MSc Safety, Health and Environmental Management, University of South Wales.
6. Lawrence Eko-Owai – MSc Environmental Sustainability and Management, Coventry University.
7. Rose Asikpo-Okon – MSc Data Science, University of Chester.
8. Obun Cletus – MSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology, Cranfield University.
9. Agatha Okoro – MSc Data Science, University of East London.
10. Helen Abang – MSc International Business, Ulster University.
11. William Undebe – MSc Civil Engineering, University of Salford.
While announcing the awardees through his Constituency Office, Senator Ekpenyong extended his heartfelt congratulations, expressing optimism that the scholars would not only excel abroad but also return to Nigeria to contribute meaningfully to the development of Cross River State and the nation at large.
“This initiative is about investing in our people and building the future of our state. The knowledge and expertise these scholars will acquire are vital for tackling the challenges of our time,” the Senator noted.
The Senior Legislative Aide, Ted Inyang, who signed the statement on behalf of the Senator, reaffirmed the lawmaker’s commitment to leveraging opportunities within federal institutions to empower his constituents, particularly in the education and capacity-building sectors.
The scholarship scheme represents one of several interventions facilitated by Senator Ekpenyong since his election, reflecting his promise to prioritise education, youth development, and sustainable opportunities for the people of Cross River South.
