The Ebonyi State Government has approved the extension of its flagship scholarship scheme to enable beneficiaries currently pursuing master’s degree programmes to seamlessly transition into doctoral (PhD) studies.
The approval, granted by the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board, comes nearly a year after Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru launched a landmark education initiative that sponsored over 200 Ebonyi indigenes to the United Kingdom for postgraduate studies, alongside more than 500 others enrolled in reputable universities across Nigeria.
The governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Leo Oketa, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to Oketa, several beneficiaries are concluding their master’s programmes this month, while others are expected to complete theirs by June. He said the affected scholars have been directed to begin applying formally to universities of their choice in order to ensure a smooth transition into PhD programmes, subject to institutional requirements.
Describing the move as part of a carefully planned and long-term strategy, Oketa stressed that the scholarship scheme was never intended as a one-off intervention.
“The initiative is designed to promote academic excellence, leadership development and sustainable growth by equipping Ebonyi indigenes with advanced knowledge and global exposure,” he said.
Oketa added that Governor Nwifuru’s administration has consistently prioritised capacity building as a key pillar of its development agenda, choosing to invest in education rather than pursue short-term gains or publicity.
He explained that the extension of the scholarship scheme reflects a deliberate commitment to grooming a new generation of professionals, academics and researchers who will contribute meaningfully to the future growth of Ebonyi State.
According to him, the policy is expected to further strengthen the state’s pool of highly skilled manpower and reinforce Ebonyi’s reputation as a strong advocate of education-driven development.