President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has hailed Senator Osita Ngwu for his long-standing commitment to investing in the education of young Nigerians through a scholarship and bursary programme that has been running for over three decades.

Leadership in Human Capital Development

Akpabio made the remarks on Friday during his address as the Special Guest of Honour at the Osita Ngwu Scholarship and Bursary Awards ceremony in Enugu. At the event, Ngwu distributed over ₦250 million to deserving students from the Enugu West Senatorial District.

According to Akpabio, the initiative has played a significant role in expanding access to education and shaping the future of young people in Enugu State. He described the programme as a powerful investment in the next generation and a demonstration of leadership focused on human capital development.

“We cannot quantify in monetary terms what Senator Osita is doing today by investing in the future of these children. When you give children education, you empower them to achieve their full potential in life, and that child can go anywhere in the world,” Akpabio said.

He added that Ngwu’s commitment to education reflects a personal conviction that no child should be left behind due to a lack of opportunity.

“Senator Osita is a giver—not because he is a senator and not because he has so much money. He is a giver because he strongly believes that no child should be left behind to wallow in illiteracy and ignorance,” Akpabio said.

Personal Sacrifice for Public Good

Akpabio further praised Ngwu for sustaining the initiative through personal sacrifice, noting that the scholarship programme has been running for decades without the benefit of a formal budget.

“Building the future of these children is an uncommon project. Bringing out students who are performing well in various universities to empower them and train them to become good citizens of Nigeria is notable,” he said.

“Senator Osita, I am very proud of you. You do not have a budget to do this, but you decided to do it through personal sacrifice and savings from your salary. I understand you have been doing this for the past 30 years. I can only say congratulations to you,” Akpabio added.

Also speaking at the event was the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai. Mbah commended Ngwu for his patriotism and commitment to the development of young people in the state.

From Humble Beginnings to National Impact

In his remarks, Ngwu reflected on the humble beginnings of the initiative, explaining that the programme grew out of his early efforts to provide free lessons to students who lacked academic support.

“I couldn’t help but remember where this journey began. Years ago, as a student, I watched brilliant young people slowly lose confidence—not because they lacked intelligence, but because opportunity came too late and preparation came too weakly,” Ngwu said.

“I saw dreams fade quietly, not from failure, but from the absence of support.”

He explained that what began as small voluntary lessons eventually evolved into the Enugu West Academy, which now operates learning centres across several communities and supports thousands of students preparing for examinations.

“This is not just an event. It is a statement that hard work will be seen, effort will be rewarded, and no child’s dream should be limited by circumstance,” Ngwu added.

Ngwu encouraged the students to remain committed to their studies, assuring them that dedication, discipline, and perseverance would shape their future success.