By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State Government has approved the award of scholarships to 140 students for admission into the newly established Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area.

This was one of the key resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and presided over by Governor Francis Nwifuru.

The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh announce the decision on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting.

He said the move reflects the administration’s determination to build a technologically driven workforce and position the state for competitiveness in the digital age.

According to him, the scholarship programme is designed to ensure equitable representation across all 13 local government areas of the state, as well as the host community.

“Council reviewed the level of compliance from each of the benefitting local government areas and directed the Ministry of Tertiary Education to expedite action so that all targeted councils are equally accommodated within the specified period,” Omebeh explained.

He described the initiative as part of the Governor’s broader People’s Charter of Needs agenda, which emphasizes education, youth empowerment, and innovation as key pillars for sustainable development.

The Ebonyi State University of ICT, Oferekpe Agbaja, was conceived to equip students with cutting-edge skills in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging fields critical to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Mr Omebeh added that Governor Nwifuru’s administration remains committed to expanding access to quality education, especially in strategic sectors that drive economic growth and job creation.

“The scholarship will not only relieve parents of financial burdens but also prepare our young people to take advantage of global digital opportunities,” he said.

The Council also deliberated on other educational projects, including the remodelling of the State Library Complex, for which the architectural design was presented, with directives that a bill of engineering measurement be submitted in the next meeting for approval.

The Information Commissioner reaffirmed that the government’s education and ICT initiatives are aimed at empowering Ebonyi youths to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and digital leaders of tomorrow.