Philanthropist Emem Coffie awards scholarships to Akwa Ibom youths across higher institutions

Tony Okoh, Uyo

A renowned engineer, businessman and philanthropist, Engr. (Dr.) Emem Coffie has reaffirmed his commitment to human capital development by awarding scholarships to brilliant youths from Akwa Ibom State seeking admission into higher institutions across the country.

Coffie described investment in education and human capital as the surest path to the rapid progress and long-term prosperity of the Akwa Ibom people, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

He made the remarks during the scholarship screening exercise for candidates seeking admission into the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme and degree courses at Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, and the University of Cross River State, Calabar.

The screening exercise was held at the premises of Southern Atlantic University in Uyo and attracted numerous applicants from different parts of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking on the initiative, Engr. Coffie explained that the scholarship programme was inspired by his passion for nurturing a new generation of educated, responsible and productive citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.

According to him, education remains one of the most effective tools for transforming lives, reducing poverty and building a prosperous society.

He stressed that empowering young people through quality education would not only prepare them for leadership roles but also enable them to become agents of positive change in their communities.

Engr. Coffie, who is also the founder of the JC Vanguard Development Foundation, disclosed that the scholarship programme would become an annual intervention aimed at supporting academically qualified but financially disadvantaged students.

“This programme is designed to be an annual event for qualified candidates. I sincerely encourage every beneficiary to remain focused, study diligently and strive for excellence so they can achieve remarkable success in their chosen fields of study,” he said.

He noted that his vision is to raise a generation of professionals and leaders who will add value to Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the global community while inspiring future generations to pursue education and self-development.

Beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, who spoke with journalists after the screening exercise, expressed profound appreciation to Engr. Coffie for what they described as a life-changing opportunity.

They said the scholarship would ease the financial burden on their families and enable them to pursue their academic dreams without interruption.

Several of the beneficiaries described the initiative as a rare privilege that would positively shape their future and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them through academic excellence and good character.

Our correspondent reports that the scholarship scheme is expected to benefit many outstanding youths across Akwa Ibom State. While the first phase has already produced numerous beneficiaries, the selection process for the second phase is currently ongoing and is expected to continue until the end of the month.

The organisers also confirmed that the programme will continue next year as part of Engr. Coffie’s sustained commitment to expanding access to higher education and promoting human capital development in Akwa Ibom State.

The initiative has been widely commended by education stakeholders and members of the public, who described it as a significant contribution to youth empowerment and educational advancement in the state.