Ogu/Bolo LG Chairman, Bipi Awards Bursaries To Over 400 Students From Rivers College of Health Technology, Babcock University, Adeleke University, Others

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, has granted bursaries to more than 400 students from various Institutions nationwide.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) News reports that the recipients, who are all natives of Ogu/Bolo, come from 16 different tertiary Institutions, including Universities, Polytechnics, and health science colleges.

At a vibrant ceremony in Ogu/Bolo, Bipi announced that this marks the first phase of the bursary scheme, with plans underway to extend the program to a second batch of students.

The Chairman emphasized that this initiative is part of his commitment to fostering academic excellence, alleviating the financial strain on families, and reducing the dropout rate among disadvantaged students in the area.

Bipi remarked, "In the face of the current economic challenges, where schools are struggling to maintain standards and parents are grappling with financial hardships, this bursary is a crucial support system for students at risk of abandoning their education due to financial constraints."

“This initiative highlights our dedication to the well-being of students, in line with my youth development policy, which aims to empower young people through education and skills training, helping them achieve their full potential."

Hon. Bipi also described the bursary as a strategic investment in the future leaders of Ogu/Bolo and a critical step towards ensuring that young people have access to higher education, despite financial challenges.

In her comments, the Secretary of the Bursary Committee and former Vice Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Council, Christy Tamunobereton, expressed gratitude to the Chairman, noting that students in the area had not received such support in over a decade.

She said, "I am grateful to him for addressing the students' needs, easing the burden of school fees, textbooks, and overall care. This gesture, unprecedented in the last 10 years, truly prioritizes the students and the community."

A beneficiary from the University of Port Harcourt, Mary George, also thanked the Chairman, stating that the bursary will significantly help meet her educational needs.

OTN News recalls that students from various Institutions, including Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rivers State University, University of Port Harcourt, Abia State University, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Rivers State College of Health Technology, Babcock University, and Adeleke University, were among the beneficiaries.