The Ebonyi State government said it has approved and earmarked over N2 billion for the postgraduate scholarship programme of 597 successful candidates to study in different Nigerian universities.
The commissioner for information and state orientation, Mr Jude Okpor, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Abakaliki. He said that the State Scholarship Board submitted the list of the successful beneficiaries.
He maintained that the amount covers the school fees, research funding, and living expenses of the scholarship beneficiaries, adding that the research funds will be paid to the universities alongside the school fees to avoid mismanagement by beneficiaries.
He explained that civil servants who sail through the eligibility processes of the scholarship programme are to be granted study leave with pay in addition to other privileges.
Okpor said that the State Executive Council also approved the purchase of two NOS fire trucks to combat fire outbreaks in the state. The additional trucks are in line with the state government’s determination to ensure that residents of the state do not suffer losses as a result of fire outbreaks.
On the progress of work on the 2km roads in different communities across the state, Okpor said that the council directed the state commissioners for infrastructure and finance to ensure that contractors who have yet to receive their payment receive it without further delay.
He stated that the council also approved the release of funds for the construction of about 1km of road leading to Ebonyi Waste Pulverization Plant, Enyim, Unwuoghara, and directed the commissioner for transport and special projects to ensure speedy completion of the project.
He noted that to further deepen the gains of total resuscitation in healthcare facilities across the state, the council approved the renovation of Doctors’ Quarters in some General Hospitals.