The third edition of the annual Asuquo Ekpenyong Education Support Initiative took place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Mary Ekpiken Hall, Channel View Hotel, Calabar. During the event, ₦100 million was disbursed to 1,000 tertiary students from Cross River South. This initiative, launched in 2022, aims to alleviate the financial burden of education and promote access to higher learning.
Beneficiary Testimonies at the Asuquo Ekpenyong Education Support
Among the beneficiaries were Charles Ntui, an undergraduate from the University of Calabar (Unical), and Abigail Ekpo, a postgraduate student from the University of Cross River State (Unicross). Both students expressed profound gratitude to Senator Ekpenyong for his impactful support.
Parent and Community Commendation
Mrs. Mary Etim, representing the Market Women Association and a parent of a beneficiary, praised the initiative, calling it a “beacon of hope” for families struggling to afford quality education. She commended Senator Ekpenyong for being a true advocate for education.
Opening Remarks by Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua
Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, in his opening remarks, provided an overview of the program. He described it as a critical intervention to ease financial constraints faced by students and their families, emphasizing its growing reach and significance in promoting access to higher education in Cross River South.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Education Support Initiative
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong highlighted the remarkable progress of the initiative since its inception. He noted:
- In 2022, 200 students were supported.
- In 2024, the number increased to 400 students.
- In 2025, 1,000 students were empowered, bringing the total beneficiaries to 1,600 in three editions.
He emphasized the program’s growth and commitment to addressing the financial burden of education while investing in the future of the youth.
Significant Impact and Increased Support
The initiative has continued to garner widespread praise for its transformative impact. This year’s edition saw a significant increase in the disbursed amount per beneficiary, rising from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, in response to the prevailing economic challenges and rising cost of living in Nigeria.
Celebrations and Gratitude
A cross-section of selected beneficiaries attended the event and received their credit alerts during the ceremony, sparking spontaneous jubilation. Beneficiaries and their families expressed deep appreciation to Senator Ekpenyong for his unwavering commitment to education and his vision of uplifting the younger generation in Cross River South.
