Ini Chairman Announces Bursary For Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Education

By Imoh Essien (Uyo)

The Chairman of Ini Local Government Area, Hon. Inibehe Umah, has announced plans to commence payment of bursary to students of Ini origin as part of his administration's drive to support education and students' welfare.

Hon. Umah disclosed this on Friday, October 2, 2026, while meeting with student leaders from the Local Government Area at the Council Secretariat in Odoro Ikpe.

The Chairman said the meeting was convened to interact with the students, listen to their concerns and discuss issues bordering on education, welfare, extracurricular activities and the role of students in the development of Ini LGA.

According to him, the bursary scheme is designed to cushion the financial challenges associated with higher education.

He further announced that a follow-up meeting will be held with the executives of the National Association of Ini Students (NAIS) Worldwide and Chapter Heads, where a committee will be constituted to work out modalities for a transparent and well-coordinated payment process.

Hon. Umah added that his administration remains committed to supporting students through educational grants, bursaries and other interventions, noting that his government has already invested heavily in education-related infrastructure including an ICT Hub and a Sports Stadium to aid youth development.

He charged the student leaders to reciprocate government's support with seriousness, discipline and commitment to academic excellence, urging them to serve as ambassadors of education by mentoring younger ones in their communities.

The Chairman commended the resilience of Ini students in the face of challenges associated with higher education and assured them of his administration's sustained support.

Responding, student leaders thanked the Chairman for his interventions in the education sector and unanimously passed a vote of confidence on his leadership, calling for continuity.

In his remarks, the President of the National Association of Ini Students (NAIS) Worldwide, Comr. Ubiere Obot, appreciated Hon. Umah for his commitment to educational advancement and pledged to promote academic discipline and mentorship among students.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Chapter Heads, Comr. Enwongo Ndueso Obot, described Hon. Umah's leadership as transformative, lauding his commitment to education and student welfare.

The meeting, which ended with a renewed commitment to collaboration between the council and the students, also saw the students endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, Rt. Hon. Ukpong-Udo, and Hon. Lawrence Udoide as their preferred candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of an award to the Chairman by the students.