By Nelson Chris-Ngwu
Freelance Journalist and activist
On 31st January 2024, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu awarded WAEC scholarships to indigent students about to write their WAEC exam at PPSMB. The scholarship covered 24 public schools in Enugu North and South Federal Constituency.
Upon the education committee’s research initiated by Hon. Atu, they identified a significant number of SS3 students who hadn’t registered for WAEC exams. This wasn’t due to lack of interest, but rather because their parents/guardians couldn’t afford the fees amid the present economic challenges and the increased WAEC registration fees.
Over a hundred students who hadn’t registered for WAEC exams were shortlisted for the WAEC scholarship.
All the students who met the academic criteria to qualify for the scholarship were filled with joy and gratitude. One principal shared an incident where a qualified student selflessly gave up her spot, saying, ‘I know I need this WAEC scholarship, but give it to Nneka; she needs it more. Touched by this show of empathy, compassion and selflessness Hon. Atu enthusiastically awarded both of them, along with others, the scholarship.
Education is the bedrock of every thriving society, education goes far beyond just acquiring a certificate for job applications; it forms your knowledge base, shapes how you think, influences how you see life, and determines your impact on society.
In the words of Hon. Atu, “to train a child today is to cater for your well-being tomorrow”. He believes that the children you see today are the future law makers, doctors, teachers, pharmacists, engineers, communicators, and more. When you neglect a child’s basic need for formal education then you are nurturing chaos, lawlessness and a failed society, because the child may fall prey to negative vices and terrorise us tomorrow.
William S. Burroughs says “The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values”, By supporting one child’s education, we contribute to a society built on values and morals.
Hon. Atu’s step to change the status quo and promote the importance of education, especially at the secondary level, is commendable. His initiative not only covers over a hundred students’ WAEC fees but also motivates and encourages them. Atu reminds them that there is a reward for hard work and dedication, emphasizing that education is key.
