Over 2,000 constituents of Municipality/Odukpani federal constituency have benefited from the educational intervention programme of the lawmaker representing the area, Bassey Akiba.
Mr Akiba made this known on Friday in Calabar during the launch of the second phase of his educational support programme for students in his constituency. He explained that the project is part of his constituency intervention efforts targeted at improving education and supporting the less privileged.
According to him, the programme has already provided scholarships and other educational support to more than 2,000 people in just two years of his mandate. He added that this phase will also expand to cover more beneficiaries.
“The constituency funds are not given directly to lawmakers, but it’s an envelope, and we select what the funds can accommodate,” he said. He emphasized that his priority is to ensure that children from poor backgrounds pursue their educational goals without any form of hindrance.
Mr Akiba also disclosed that the funds are being channelled into three main areas which are livelihood support, health support, and educational support. He said that for the 2025 budget year, 70 per cent of the constituency funds will be directed to education.
According to him, the allocation will cover scholarships for students, the construction and renovation of schools, and the provision of modern learning materials to schools in the constituency.
He noted that increasing the constituency fund allows more investment in education, which remains central to his mandate.
Speaking at the event, the Obonganwan of Nsidung, Barbara James, welcomed the intervention and described the investments in education as timely. She stressed the importance of ensuring that every child enjoys their right to education.
“Every child has the right to be educated, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that their rights are enforced,” she said.
Also present at the launch was the state commissioner for education, Stephen Odey, who praised the initiative. Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Francis Oyije, the commissioner noted that education is capital-intensive and requires the support of both government and private individuals.
He said the intervention by the lawmaker will help in laying a solid foundation for future leaders.