By Amaechi Agbo

The Provost, ESUT College of Medicine, Prof Uchenna Ekwochi on Thursday launched a scholarship scheme for Primary 6 Pupils in Enugu State.

Prof Ekwochi made the launching during the 2026 Cultural Day of the Smart Green School, Umueze Awkunanaw Campus in Nkanu West Local Government.

Prof Ekwochi who sponsored the event, said he decided to partner with the management of the school to use the occasion to mark his birthday and that of his son as an appreciation to the school that groomed him.

Speaking during the event, the Provost whose administration has transformed the ESUT College of Medicine including expanding its quota from 240 to 350 – the highest number across the country – lauded the management of the campus for their administrative blueprint and praised Governor Peter Mbah for his ingenuity in introducing the smart school education system in the state.

“I want to express my gratitude to God who by His mercy granted me and my son the grace to add a new year to ourselves on this day, July 23, 2026. When the Head Teacher spoke about the cultural day in our platform, I discussed it with my wife and we reached out to him to sponsor the cultural day.

“Today we are not just honourd by the pupils who are here in their numbers but by the presence of some of my classmates and Igwe of our ancient community. While I was watching the pupils’ presentation, I spoke to my wife on what we can do for them and an idea came through. My wife suggested that we establish a scholarship scheme where we will be awarding a small token of N100, 000 to the best graduating pupil in Basic 6. We will be doing this every year as the Lord keeps us alive.” he said.

The Provost also praised the Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for introducing the Smart Green School model in the state stressing that it would empower the children to do exploits in life. The Prof of Pediatrics further commended the Smart Green School Umueze Campus under the administrative head of Mr Ngene Nwabuze on their efforts in nurturing the children at their care and urged them not to relent.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Head Teacher of the school, Mr Negne Nwabueze, expressed appreciation to Prof Ekwochi and his family for accepting to sponsor the Cultural Day. While appreciating the Enugu State Government for the Smart Green School system, he stated that the school has some teething challenges and expressed hope that the government and well-meaning individuals would come to their aide to solve them. 

“Our special appreciation to His Excellency, Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi the Executive Governor of Enugu State whose visionary leadership has made it possible for us to be here. You provided us with quality desks, tables and desks for teachers and the 25 classrooms and offices, solar-powered borehole with overhead tanks for water supply. There are also the provisions of smart boards, computers, Wi-Fi, science laboratory equipment, experiential learning equipment, digital library, books and many others, for the smooth and effective pedagogy.

“We may have some challenges but they are expected in a budding bold ideas like this and we trust the Governor and well-meaning philanthropists in and around our communities to come to our help soonest,” he said

Also speaking, the Igwe of Umueze Ancient Kingdom, HRH, Igwe Emeka Ani, the Igwe Na Ezoroha II, who was accompanied by the former Caretaker chairman of Umueze town Union Engr Okwudiri Ohaa, Commended the sponsor, Enugu State Government and the good people of hi kingdom for their support in sustaining basic primary education in the community.

The paramount ruler who described basic school as the incubator of great men and women, said that with proper leadership and continued support from all and sundry, the Smart Green School project of the Enugu State will continue to yield results.

Highlights of the Cultural Day were, breaking of birthday cake by the celebrants, presentations of cultural dances by the pupils, different souvenirs and singing of birthday songs to the celebrants.