The Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Ekong Sampson, on Tuesday disbursed N100 million in grants to support the educational pursuits of 500 students drawn from across the district.
The ceremony, held at the Eket Local Government Secretariat, saw each beneficiary awarded N200,000 to ease their academic needs.
Sampson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, said the intervention reflects his belief that education remains the most sustainable path to progress.
“When you show support for the education sector, you are showing support for progress because without education we are in danger,” he said.
He recalled launching the first tranche of student support within his first year in office, noting that Tuesday’s programme marked an expanded effort.
“Today, we’re here on a bigger scale. I am empowering not less than 500 students with N100 million. Their names will be published from now,” he added.
Rejects Calls to Prioritise Popularity Over Education
Sampson disclosed that some individuals had advised him to invest in tricycles and distribute them to constituents for political visibility rather than channel resources into student empowerment.
“These people suggested I buy tricycles instead of empowering students, insisting the students may end up reconciling with estranged girlfriends or attending nightclubs,” he said.
“But I thought differently. I look into the future. Until and unless we get our bearings right on education, we will remain in the woods.”
He added that his legislative priorities reflected in his bills and advocacy underscore his commitment to education.
Bills for New Universities
The senator also announced that he has sponsored bills for establishing the Federal University of Technology, Ikot-Abasi, and the Federal University of Medical Sciences. He further reiterated his efforts toward ensuring the take-off of the Federal University of Maritime Studies.
Committee Applauds Gesture
Chairman of the Empowerment Committee, Ini Ikott, described the N100 million intervention as a “unique and strategic investment” in human capital, adding that the gesture demonstrates Sampson’s commitment to education development and youth empowerment.
The grants are expected to support students facing rising tuition costs and economic constraints, positioning education as a central pillar of the senator’s constituency agenda.
