Philanthropist awards ₦45m scholarship to 300 FUTB undergraduates in Jigawa

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

A renowned philanthropist, Ukechir, has awarded scholarships worth ₦45 million to no fewer than 300 undergraduate students of the Federal University of Technology, Babura (FUTB), Jigawa State, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden of higher education and promoting academic excellence.

The scholarship, implemented through the Back to School Project under the Grassroot Support for Tinubu 2027 – The 1019 Initiative, provided each beneficiary with ₦150,000 to support tuition fees and other academic expenses.

Speaking on behalf of the convener during the presentation ceremony held on Monday, the Coordinator of the Back to School Project, Dr. Tyo Terhile Ephraim, said the initiative was designed to reduce the financial challenges confronting students and enable them to pursue their education without unnecessary hardship.

He urged the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds by prioritising their academic needs, remaining focused on their studies and striving for excellence.

According to Ephraim, the scholarship programme reflects Ukechir’s unwavering commitment to investing in the future of Nigerian youths through education, which he described as a critical driver of national development.

He noted that beyond educational support, the initiative has carried out several humanitarian interventions across the country, including free medical outreach programmes, borehole projects to improve access to clean drinking water, free transportation services and scholarship schemes for pupils in nursery, primary and secondary schools.

Ephraim explained that the interventions were designed to improve the welfare and living conditions of vulnerable Nigerians through sustainable social investment programmes.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Datti Hauwau Muhammad described the scholarship as timely and life-changing, noting that it would significantly reduce the financial pressure facing many students and their families.

She expressed profound appreciation to Ukechir and the organisers of the programme for the generous gesture, praying for God’s continued protection, wisdom and strength for the benefactor to sustain his humanitarian efforts.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Prof. Sabo Ibrahim Birnin Kudu, also lauded the philanthropist, describing the intervention as one of the most remarkable acts of generosity ever received by the institution.

He encouraged Ukechir to sustain his investment in education and continue supporting indigent students, stressing that such initiatives would contribute immensely to national development by expanding access to quality higher education.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the benefactor that the beneficiaries would remain committed to their studies and justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, discipline and outstanding academic performance.