The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Special Duties, Valentine Okike, has praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for what he described as a visionary, people-focused scholarship programme that is reshaping the state’s education sector.

Okike spoke after the departure of the second batch of Ebonyi indigenes—about 92 students—to universities in the United Kingdom on Monday, February 2, 2026, under the state government’s overseas scholarship initiative.

According to the commissioner, the development further reflects Governor Nwifuru’s sincerity, consistency, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and future of the people of Ebonyi State, noting that the governor has continued to translate promises into tangible action.

He recalled that exactly one year earlier, the first batch of about 300 Ebonyi students was sponsored to leading universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees through the Ebonyi State Scholarship Board. In addition, more than 1,000 indigenes benefited from similar postgraduate scholarship awards within Nigerian universities during the same period, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1,400.

Okike explained that the scholarship programme is rooted in the People’s Charter of Needs, the policy framework guiding Governor Nwifuru’s administration, with education and human capital development identified as key priorities.

He stressed that the governor’s approach to governance aligns with the principles of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which places emphasis not only on infrastructure development but also on strategic investment in people as a foundation for sustainable growth.

“Governor Nwifuru is building both infrastructure and human capacity for the future. These scholars will, in the years ahead, make meaningful contributions to Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and the global community,” Okike said.

The commissioner further disclosed that despite operating quietly, Governor Nwifuru has earned recognition as one of the best-performing governors in the country. He noted that the governor ranks among the leading performers in the South-East across critical sectors including agriculture, housing, education, health, infrastructure, aviation, diaspora engagement, human capital development, security, good governance, and the rule of law.

Okike added that the governor’s humility, modest lifestyle, and strong stance against waste set him apart from many of his peers, describing him as a leader genuinely devoted to service and the long-term development of Ebonyi State.