Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has disbursed tuition support to 930 indigent undergraduate and postgraduate students in Abakaliki through his annual foundation scholarship scheme, funded by a ₦100 million Education Support Fund.

The disbursement took place on Tuesday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, with funds channelled directly to cover beneficiaries' academic expenses for the current session. The scheme was originally structured to support 500 students but was expanded mid ceremony to accommodate 930 candidates in response to rising economic pressures.

Nwebonyi charged the recipients to prioritise academic excellence and distance themselves from cultism. Drawing on his own background, he said, "During my time, I did not have this type of opportunity or financial sponsorship. Today, we are actively stepping in to ensure that financial hardship does not halt the academic pursuits of our youth."

He added, "As a lawyer, my dedication to my books is what gave me the foundation to serve in the Senate. I expect these students to move straight from their classrooms to their study desks, distance themselves from cultism, and prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow."

The senator also advised beneficiaries to use social media constructively, urging them to focus on nation building rather than the online castigation of public figures.

Nwebonyi noted that the initiative complements the human capital development agenda of the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, who recently sponsored over 1,000 graduates on local and international postgraduate scholarships.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor's wife, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Felicia Nwamkpuma, commended the senator's commitment to quality representation. "Through this massive financial commitment, Senator Nwebonyi has made a direct investment in the education and future of our youth," she stated.