The Imo Community of Tampa Bay International, United States, has awarded ₦3 million in scholarships to 30 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, while donating a ₦15 million social event stage to the institution.
The interventions were unveiled on Wednesday during separate events held at the Polytechnic.
Each of the 30 beneficiaries received ₦100,000 to support their education and ease the financial pressure associated with rising educational and living costs.
Speaking at the scholarship presentation, President of the Imo Community of Tampa Bay, Emeka Eziakonwa, said the initiative marked the group’s third scholarship intervention at the institution.
Eziakonwa, who was accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Agriculture, Chris Enweremadu, said the community was committed to expanding the programme to accommodate more students in the future.
He also described the donated event stage as an investment in a safer and more organised campus environment, urging students to use and maintain the facility responsibly.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, represented by the Deputy Rector, Academic, Dr. Obinna Iwueke, expressed appreciation to the diaspora community for its sustained support.
He described the intervention as a practical demonstration of meaningful community-institution partnership, noting that the scholarships would provide relief to beneficiaries and enable them to remain focused on their studies.
The Rector also commended the donation of the event stage, saying appropriate spaces for recreation, creativity and social interaction were important components of a conducive academic environment.
The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Saint Paul Christopher, said the idea for the permanent stage emerged from discussions following an earlier scholarship presentation.
He explained that the facility would provide students with a dedicated venue for social and developmental activities on campus, reducing the risks associated with organising such events outside the institution.
The Imo Community of Tampa Bay also presented a cash award to the Dean in recognition of his contribution to students’ welfare, announcing plans to recognise an outstanding faculty member annually alongside its scholarship programme.
The event was attended by principal officers of the Polytechnic, including the Registrar, Mr. Stanley Ugochukwu Njoku; Bursar, Mrs. Chinyere Adanne Ojiuko; Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Charles Obichere; deans, directors, staff members and student beneficiaries.
