No fewer than 250 students from Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone have received scholarship awards from the Mbam Stanley Labechi (MSL) Foundation in a move aimed at expanding access to education and strengthening human capital development in Ebonyi State.
The scholarship award ceremony held in Abakaliki, the State Capital, attracted beneficiaries from Ebonyi, Izzi, Abakaliki and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas, alongside Government officials, academics, community leaders and parents.
Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Founder of the MSL Foundation, said the initiative was driven by his desire to give back to society and support young people who are committed to education despite economic challenges.
According to him, the Foundation’s intervention is made possible “out of the abundance and grace God has given to my family,” as he expressed appreciation to the Ebonyi State Government and other stakeholders for sustaining an atmosphere of peace and development.
Mbam explained that while the 2025 edition of the scholarship programme was limited to Abakaliki Local Government Area, the 2026 edition was expanded to cover the entire Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone.
“Currently, we have about 250 university students registered as beneficiaries, including medical students, engineers and others studying various professional courses across different universities,” he said. “We thank God for this privilege and pray that this foundation will continue as long as we live.”
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He also disclosed plans to enhance transparency and accountability in subsequent editions by paying tuition fees directly to educational institutions, rather than disbursing cash to students.
Nkechinyere Echiegu, a university don, described the scholarship scheme as noble and timely, particularly in view of the educational and economic challenges confronting students in the state.
She urged beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity responsibly, warning that poor academic performance or misconduct could lead to disqualification.
“It is one thing to receive a scholarship and another thing to use it well,” she said. “You must qualify in both character and learning. Character is even more important because it opens doors.”
Echiegu also advised parents to provide emotional and moral support to their children, noting that discouragement and negative words could undermine students’ academic progress. She further encouraged students to acquire vocational and functional skills alongside their university education to remain competitive in a dynamic global economy.
Nkwegu Virginia, one of the beneficiaries, a 100-level Law student from Abakaliki Local Government Area, described the scholarship as a lifeline following the death of her father earlier in the year.
“It has been very difficult for us,” she said. “With this scholarship, I am relieved and happy that I can continue my studies in the Faculty of Law.”
Mathar Ezike, another beneficiary, who received ₦120,000, pledged to apply the funds strictly towards his school fees, dismissing fears of diversion of scholarship grants.
The MSL Foundation noted that beyond educational support, it is also involved in empowerment programmes, skills acquisition initiatives and financial support for small businesses as part of its broader grassroots development agenda.
Charles Ofoke speaking commended the foundation for its commitment to education, describing the initiative as a meaningful step towards reversing educational disadvantage and shaping a better future for youths in Ebonyi State.
