Former Senate President, Senator David Mark has given out N50 million to indigent students as part of the 2014/2015 Senator David Mark Scholarship Foundation (DMSF) Awards.
The awardees included 14,703 students from various universities, polytechnics, colleges of education as well as school of nursing.
Speaking at the flag-off of ceremony in Otukpo, Benue State, Senator Mark called for improved funding for the education sector in the country in order to save the upcoming generation from oppression and manipulation.
Mark who also called on public spirited individuals to avail indigent young Nigerians scholarships to acquire formal education so as to improve themselves.
“Education for all is my passion; my prayer is that we improve the sector through improved funding so that every Nigerian of school age can be educated and saved from manipulation and oppression.
“Likewise, this foundation was set up to avail students in our state financial assistance to aid their education; I urge good-spirited persons to also emulate this by sponsoring at least two students in our communities, it will go a long way to eliminate ignorance in the society,” Mark said.
Also, in a statement signed by Media Assistant to Senator Mark, Mr. Paul Mumeh, the former Senate President said the beneficiaries are classified into five categories including students of tertiary institutions, gifted girl child, orphans and vulnerable children as well as special awards.
Mark restated his passion for education and wished that all citizens have access to quality and functional education..He reiterated that the scholarship now under a foundation would outlive him because “it is a legacy dear to me.”
The former Senate President used the occasion to express appreciation to the Federal Government for approving the new University of Medical Sciences sited in his Otukpo, Benue state country home. To the benefitting students, Mark counselled them to shun all forms of vices such as cultism and examination malpractices saying “you would be our pride and worthy future leaders if you continue to excel in your academics.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of DMSF, Prof. James Alachi said the scholarship scheme which started in 2005 with a token of N5,000 per student has increased to N20,000 per beneficiary in 2015.
This he explained is beside the over 1,000 indigent students on full scholarship.
This he explained is beside the over 1,000 indigent students on full scholarship.
About Igbudu James
Teryila Ibn Apine is a public affairs analyst and a blogger.
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