Foundation Awards Scholarships To 250 Ebonyi Students

Mbam Stanley Labechi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has awarded scholarships to about 250 students from Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone of Ebonyi State.

The founder of the foundation, Mr Stanley Lebechi Mbam, said the scheme was aimed at enabling the beneficiaries to have access to education as well as to strengthen human capital development in Ebonyi State.

He said the intervention was made possible by the grace of God upon his family. According to him, while the 2025 edition of the scholarship programme was limited to Abakaliki Local Government Area, the 2026 edition would be expanded to cover the entire Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone.

Quoting him, “We have about 250 university students registered as beneficiaries, including medical students, engineers and others studying various professional courses across different universities. We thank God for this privilege and pray that this foundation continue as long as we live.”

He announced plans to enhance transparency and accountability in subsequent editions by paying tuition fees directly to educational institutions, rather than disbursing cash to students.

A don, Dr Nkechinyere Echiegu, commended the initiative, describing it as “noble and timely in view of the educational and economic challenges confronting students in the state”. Echiegu urged the beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity responsibly, warning that poor academic performance or misconduct could lead to disqualification.

She said, “It is one thing to receive a scholarship and another thing to use it well. You must qualify in both character and learning. Character is even more important because it opens doors.”

She called on parents to provide emotional and moral support to their children, adding that “negative words could undermine students’ academic progress”. She further encouraged students to acquire vocational and functional skills alongside their university education to remain competitive in a dynamic global economy.

Nkwegu Virginia, a beneficiary and 100-level Law student, said, “It has been very difficult for us. With this scholarship, I am relieved and happy that I can continue my studies.”

Marthar Ezike, another beneficiary, who received ₦120,000, pledged judicious use of the offer.

It was gathered that beyond education, MSL Foundation is also involved in empowerment programmes, skills acquisition initiatives and financial support for small businesses as part of its broader grassroots development agenda.