BETWEEN OBA's IMPACTFUL SCHOLARSHIP AND THE FAKES

By Richmond Benjamin

Imagine! An individual has over 480 students on his fully paid, tuition-free scholarship scheme, accompanied with allowance every term and has been sustained for oversven year's. What then is exciting about that of a state government,  which has for the first time just announced it's scholarship after seven years in power?

For this long period, students in the universities have been without any form of bursary or scholarship and upon all the passionate demands made, the governor paid deaf ears until now. Suddenly, Nr Ydom Emmanuel woke from slumber just  source support for his mistake,  his desperate succession plot.

A scholarship scheme  for only 500 students by one of the richest states in Nigeria is paltry especially, considering the fact that OBA, as an individual, has awarded over 480 scholarships with booster packs. Indeed, the announcement of such number belittles the image of the state government, considering the population of indigenes of the state in higher institutions. 

Remember we are not talking about personal funds or that from the salary of the governor. We are talking about money from the richly funded state treasury as the highest receiver of the federal government's monthly allocation. Our coffee  is further enriched with robust internally generated revenues. Is it not this same state that used to pay bursary to all the students in higher institutions across Nigeria when revenue was not this much? Haba!

There is no excuse whatsoever for the state government not to have been paying students bursary  yearly, especially now that the economy is heavy on individuals. The problem with the present leadership is misplaced priority and lack of commitment towards citizens welfare and wellbeing, as well as not keeping to promises. 

After snubbing the students’ demands for the past seven years, announcement of scholarship to concide with electoral campaign season shows it is more of a political acrobatic to attract attention. It is an election-fever induced decision to score cheap popularity.

The governor has no sincere concern for the students' well-being. It is insincere, hypocritical and deceitful, if we have to say the truth. 

The governor has again exposed his knack for displaying pretentious response to critical issues, if not outright nonchalance. This timing is not good for a leader who unfortunately is already noted for his uncaring leadership approach to citizens needs. As an elected Government that is in charge of the commonwealth of the people, the governor should be more generous towards demands of citizens,especially students and youths. But this is not the case presently.

Considering the situational analysis, the scholarship is like  taking a belated action seemingly because of seeking the students’ votes in the forthcoming election for his preffered successor. Announcing it when he has just few months to quit office definitely tells that it is a politically-induced, hurriedly packaged decision without sincerely appreciating the concerns of students in his inner mind.

In contrast, in the case of OBA's scholarship scheme, he did not wait until a few months for him to vacate, instead he began his tenure with awarding scholarships. Applicants do not need to lobby or have any political connections to benefit from it. The selection is meritoriously and profesionally handled to ensure justice and equity. 

The nondiscriminatory approach and merit-based  selection process have ensured that results of benefiting students are very impressive and worth his sacrifices and aspiration to advance the youths through education. Many have already graduated in flying colours, waving their first class degrees with pride.

OBA’s scholsrship is given out with sincere motive and not politicized in any manner. This is unlike the case of the state government's, where there is fear that slots are already reserved for cronies and children of political leaders of the Peoples Demcratic Party, as done in past employment exercises.

Besides, it is seen as one of his usual election gimmicks to repair the battered image of the present leadership and also use as a bait to lure the electorate to support his unpopular imposition. Little wonder it has already been counted as one of his achievements,  even when nothing has been done except announcement for filling of forms. 

If Mr Emmanuel really loves education and considers it a route to rise to greatest, people are wondering what is he doing with Umo Eno whose educational background and documents are shrouded in mystery and controversy. 

Is he truly proud to present his stooge as someone students should look up to and emulate as a role model and mentor in terms educational standing? He can't be. So it is a political decision, while ignoring morality. 

Consequently, there is already fear amongst students that the scholarship is a publicity stunt to whereas, most of the funds will be looted for election purposes. 

Students are not excited about it and see it as Greek gift, which cannot move them to support the stooge. Truly, they are not willing to be fooled again to support a nonchalant , noncaring and cunning leader who dribbles students whenever demands are presented to him.

Considering the impact of OBA’s scholarship and that of the state government, the timing, sincerety of purpose and number of students catered foruser each of the schemes, most students agree overwhelmingly that the lawmaker cares more for their wellbeing and educational advancement. And they believe strongly that as a student-friendly politician, he will do so much more to make students smile heartily from 2023 when by God's grace he becomes the next governor of Akwa Ibom State.