Akunedozi Foundation Plans to Expand Scholarship Scheme for Disadvantaged Students in Abuja

The Uzochukwu Akunedozi Foundation has announced plans to increase the number of students benefiting from its scholarship programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of efforts to support children from financially disadvantaged families.

The announcement was made by the foundation’s founder, Chief Uzochukwu Akunedozi, during its annual gathering with more than 200 scholarship beneficiaries at Blake Resort, Abuja. The students were drawn from three secondary schools: Government Secondary School, Mpape; Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi; and Government Day Secondary School, Caro.

Akunedozi said the scholarship programme was established to help children from low-income households continue their education without the financial pressure of school fees. He explained that providing educational support would give these students opportunities similar to those available to children from more financially secure families.

As part of the planned expansion, he asked representatives of the participating schools to identify additional students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who could be considered for sponsorship.

He also encouraged the beneficiaries to take their education seriously, develop consistent reading and writing habits, and prepare independently for their examinations. He urged them to remain hardworking, disciplined and creative, while avoiding excessive use of mobile phones and social media that could distract them from their studies.

The foundation also announced plans to introduce rewards for students who demonstrate excellent academic performance. Akunedozi congratulated beneficiaries who had performed well in the previous academic session, particularly those appointed to leadership positions in their schools.

To strengthen the administration and monitoring of the scholarship scheme, he announced the appointment of Chibuzor Alaegbu as Director-General of the Uzochukwu Akunedozi Foundation.

Alaegbu will serve as a link between the foundation, participating schools and beneficiaries. Her responsibilities will include obtaining academic assessment reports, monitoring students’ progress and identifying those who may need additional support, such as extra lessons or home tutoring.

The appointment is expected to help the foundation provide more structured support to beneficiaries beyond the payment of school fees.

Speaking on behalf of the participating schools, Maji Labaran, Vice-Principal of Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi, commended the foundation for its support to students from disadvantaged households. He also appealed to Akunedozi to consider helping schools in the FCT acquire Computer-Based Test (CBT) facilities ahead of the planned transition of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations to computer-based testing.

A parent, Joy Emmanuel Okoli, also expressed appreciation to the foundation, noting that the scholarship support had helped ease the financial responsibilities of families.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Akhere Favour Osemudiamen, Head Girl of Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi, thanked the foundation for covering students’ school fees and giving them the opportunity to continue their education.

She said the support had helped beneficiaries pursue their academic ambitions and look forward to a brighter future.

The gathering also featured discussions on personal development, including a session on the effects of peer pressure. The foundation distributed school bags to beneficiaries and hosted the students to lunch as part of the event.

Through the scholarship programme, the Uzochukwu Akunedozi Foundation continues to support access to education for children from financially disadvantaged families in Abuja, with plans to extend the opportunity to more students.