Empowering the Brilliant Poor:
Government Extending Scholarships for a Brighter Future
Kpamor Callistus Ugboho is the Speaker of the Benue Children’s Parliament. Kpamor is St. Gabriel’s 2023 overall best graduating and award-winning student with prizes in the following subjects: Civic education, Economics, Agricultural Science, Data processing, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Further Mathematics, and General Mathematics
Although his WASSCE is still being awaited, he has again demonstrated his brilliance by replicating the same in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as he emerged the highest scorer in Benue State and indeed north-central Nigeria in the 2023 edition with a total UTME aggregate of 342 [Mathematics: 92, Physics: 92, Chemistry: 89, and English 69]. He is an aspiring Software Engineer!
The dearth of scholarships in Benue State in the last 16 years or so is detestable and at most nauseating albeit education being the cornerstone of a thriving society. Perhaps every child deserves an opportunity to pursue their dreams, irrespective of their economic and political background.
Recognizing the immense potential and brilliance that lies within the ranks of the economically disadvantaged, governments around the world are taking significant strides to extend scholarships to support these talented individuals, and methinks Benue shouldn’t be an exception. The importance of such initiatives, the impact they have on society, and how they contribute to fostering a more equitable and promising future need not be overemphasized.
Extending scholarships to brilliant but poor students in the like of Kpamor Callistus Ugboho helps bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots in society. It enables children from underprivileged backgrounds to access quality education, empowering them to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty. This commitment to equality in education sets a powerful precedent, signaling that merit is not bound by one’s socioeconomic status.
The Benue society and most importantly the state government cannot afford to overlook the talents of individuals simply due to either their financial limitations or political affiliations. By providing scholarships, governments are tapping into the vast reservoir of human potential, fostering a generation of bright minds that can drive innovation, solve complex problems, and contribute positively to society in various fields.
Investing in the education of the brilliant poor goes beyond academic achievement; it significantly impacts socioeconomic conditions. As these students excel and graduate, they become more employable, break barriers, and pave the way for their families and communities to rise out of poverty. Benue State Government cannot feel contrite for its investments in scholarships as the likes of Dr. Paul Botwev Orhii are shining examples of Aku’s talents harnessed scholarship.
Diverse classrooms create richer learning environments and foster a culture of inclusivity. By supporting brilliant students from economically weaker sections, governments promote diversity within educational institutions and ultimately within the workforce.
Scholarships for the brilliant poor contribute to developing a highly skilled and educated workforce. Such an educated populace enhances a nation’s global competitiveness, attracting investments and driving economic growth.
Investing in education yields long-term benefits for society as a whole. Scholars from underprivileged backgrounds who receive scholarships often give back to their communities, acting as role models and inspiring future generations to pursue education and strive for success.
While extending scholarships to the brilliant poor is a commendable initiative, it comes with challenges such as identifying deserving candidates without corrupting the process, providing comprehensive support, and addressing the financial burden on the government. Collaboration with NGOs, private institutions, and international organizations can help address these challenges and create sustainable scholarship programs.
Extending scholarships to the brilliant poor is a testament to a government’s commitment to building an inclusive and prosperous society. By unlocking the potential of the underprivileged, we pave the way for a future filled with innovation, equality, and progress. These scholarship programs act as powerful tools to break down barriers and empower individuals, ultimately creating a more just and equitable world for all.
The Benue State Government led by His Excellency Hyacinth Alia must take pragmatic steps at revamping the once famous Benue Scholarship Board with a mandate to harness ebullient, young, and brilliant talents for scholarship.
©Asambe Aondoakaa
