Akwa Ibom sets up N100m intervention fund for physically challenged students

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst Umo Eno, has announced a N100 million Educational Intervention Fund for physically challenged students of Akwa Ibom origin studying in public institutions, as well as other disabled students residing in the state.

The Governor made this announcement during a courtesy visit by the University of Uyo chapter of the National Association of Students with Disabilities, led by its President, Emmanuel Wisdom, at Government House, Uyo on Monday.

Governor Eno stated that he was motivated by the desire to give the student body a sense of belonging and to emphasize the political inclusion efforts of his administration.

He instructed the Office of the Accountant General, Secretary to the State Government, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to oversee the disbursement of the fund.

The governor further directed that the school fees of the beneficiaries be paid directly to their respective schools, and allowances be given to the students after proper profiling. He cautioned against bureaucratic obstacles in the disbursement process, emphasizing that the gesture aims to encourage and ease the lives of the students.

“We will immediately allocate one hundred million naira to support all disabled or physically challenged students in public tertiary institutions, both for disabled Akwa Ibom students and those residing in the state. That money is specifically set aside for them. The Ministry of Women Affairs and Ministry of Education will verify that the beneficiaries are enrolled in school, pay their school fees directly to their schools, and provide them with a small allowance to support them until graduation,” Governor Eno stated.

He clarified that the fund currently stands at one hundred million naira, with the possibility of additional funds in the future. The Ministry of Women Affairs will ensure proper profiling of the beneficiaries to ensure they benefit from the intervention.

Governor Eno expressed his desire to streamline the process by depositing the funds in a joint account, managed by the beneficiaries, with authorization for disbursement granted by the Secretary to the State Government. He stressed the importance of verifying and confirming the right recipients to ensure the support reaches those who truly need it.

The Governor highlighted that the aim of this initiative is to encourage the students and make their lives easier. He acknowledged their achievements, noting that they often excel despite the challenges they face.

Governor Eno also made a cash donation to Mr. Udeme Emmanuel, a disabled student, and pledged to provide a monthly stipend to support his participation in the Law School. Furthermore, upon completion of his course, Mr. Emmanuel was guaranteed automatic employment in the Ministry of Justice.

In recognition of their dedication and commitment, Emmanuel Wisdom was appointed as the Personal Assistant on Student Matters, while Ubong Imoh Ikpe was appointed as the Personal Assistant on Students with Disability.

Both appointees expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to political inclusion and positive impact on the physically challenged community. They assured the Governor of their diligence and promised to fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities.