...hints on possible scholarship awards
By Ime Silas
The hopes of brilliant but indigent students of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State furthering their education were rekindled on Thursday, February 1, 2024, as the Council Chairman, Hon Uko Umoh paid for JAMB registration fees for not fewer than 150 (one hundred and fifty) students of Etinan origin.
Speaking at the Millennium Hall, Council Secretariat, Etinan during the free JAMB forms issuance exercise, the Chairman told the benefitting candidates that the selection processes were devoid of politics. He charged the students to be serious with their studies, assuring them that if they passed the examination with good grades but lacked sponsorship to further, they stood chances of being awarded scholarships by the local government council.
“Congratulations for making the list of candidates shortlisted for the free JAMB registration sponsored by the local government council. This is just the beginning. I want you to be the ambassadors of Etinan”, Hon. Uko said.
Hinting on a possible future scholarship award, the Council Boss continued “I want to advise you not to be discouraged or weighed down by the thoughts of whether your parents will have the capacity to send you to the university or higher institutions if you pass the JAMB examinations. Take your studies seriously knowing today that if you pass the JAMB well and come out as bests, you may be awarded scholarship by the Council.
Whatever you will become in the future starts from today. You owe your gratitude to God and the governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno who made this to come to fulfilment.
The selection process was not politicized. We had to employ the services of consultants who went round all the sixty-four villages in Etinan so that we can have, not just indigent candidates, but brilliant ones. I wish you all the best and I encourage you to go and do us proud”
In addition to the eleven public schools captured for the free JAMB registration scheme, Hon Uko, in honour of the first Council Chairman, also added the Reginarex High School, Etinan. The school was established in memory of the former Council Chairman, HRM, Late Nsobom John Ekwere who later became the first Paramount Ruler of the area.
Also speaking during the event, the Head of Local Government Service, Mrs. Mercy Ntekim urged the students to put in their best in order to justify the huge resources invested in them by the Council through the free JAMB registration scheme. She also noted that their future academic pursuits could be determined by the outcome of the JAMB examinations.
Advising the JAMB candidates, the consultant, Amb. Mfonobong Ekwere, while thanking the Council Chairman for the initiative, noted that the move was to send signal to the youths that Education is not a scam. While describing honour as a lifter, Amb. Mfonobong further noted that honouring the first Chairman of Etinan through the initiative, the Council Boss will be lifted.
The event also had in attendance the Vice Chairman of Etinan, Hon. Imaobong Michael; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Edidiong Celestine; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Pastor Ubong Inyang and SA Youth, Hon. Item Etuk, Principals and guardians of benefitting schools and a host of others.