The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Caleb Ajagba, on Monday extended a lifeline to indigent students by organising a free bursary and JAMB registration disbursement for beneficiaries in Umuezegu Nsulu.
The initiative, which benefited over 180 individuals, was personally sponsored by Ajagba.
He said it was designed to ease the financial burden on underprivileged families and provide deserving youths with the opportunity to pursue higher education without hindrance.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Ajagba emphasised, “The present administration in the state under Alex Otti is futuristic in outlook and deeply committed to the development of Abia youths. Several transformative platforms, including the Abia Leadership Academy and TechRise, have been established by Gov. Alex Otti to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”
He clarified that the bursary and JAMB disbursement were not funded by the government but were his personal contribution, “aimed at extending opportunities to young people who may otherwise be denied access to education due to financial constraints,” adding that “education remains the shortest and most credible pathway to a secure and meaningful future.”
Encouraging the students, he urged them to see the support as a chance to rewrite their personal and family histories, stressing that academic attainment opens doors not only for individuals but for generations yet unborn.
Sharing his personal experience, Ajagba revealed that he sat for JAMB examinations eight times before gaining admission, underscoring the importance of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
“If I had given up after the first attempt, I would not have had the opportunity to partner with His Excellency today in reshaping and rebranding Abia State,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds strictly for educational purposes, reminding them that the gesture was conceived solely to support those genuinely in need.
He assured them that the initiative would not end with academic support alone, as plans are underway to extend assistance to youths engaged in vocational training, business, and other empowerment programmes.
Ajagba expressed his vision for a future where every household in Abia State can proudly boast of at least one graduate and one financially independent individual.
He challenged the students to become trailblazers in their families, assuring them that once one person succeeds, others would be inspired to follow.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Favour Nmesomachi, Dickson Success, Ndubuisi Divine, and Gift Onwughara, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to further their education.
They described the gesture as life-changing and previously unattainable due to their families’ financial limitations.
They said, “The bursary and JAMB support have rekindled our hope, restored our confidence, and given us renewed determination to pursue our academic dreams with excellence and integrity.”
They described the initiative as “a divine intervention and a testament to selfless leadership,” pledging to justify the confidence reposed in them by remaining dedicated to their studies and striving to make their families and Abia State proud.
In recent years, Abia State has intensified efforts to reposition its education sector as part of broader reforms aimed at youth empowerment and human capital development.
Under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, initiatives such as the Abia Leadership Academy and digital skill programmes have been introduced to equip young people with employable skills.
