By Chika Kwamba
An internationally acclaimed humanitarian organisation, the Tony Ndah Foundation, launched a fully funded 2025/2026 West African Examination Council (WAEC) scholarship programme for indigenes of the Asaba community, yesterday.
The scholarship scheme, which benefits over 100 students, cuts across 12 government-owned secondary schools within the Asaba metropolis, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to impacting lives, shaping futures, nurturing dreams, and promoting human capital development.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the scholarship programme held at the Ogwa–Ukwu Ahaba, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting educational initiatives that uplift Asaba youths.
The monarch stressed the importance of building platforms that continually engage young people, noting that education remains vital, especially when blended with the knowledge and preservation of cultural heritage.
“It is important that we are all gathered here as Asaba people so that our young ones can draw strength and inspiration from those around them. They must realise that Asaba has role models in abundance across all spheres of human endeavour. “Under my watch, this scholarship will be sustained. There will be no limitation to the achievement of your dreams, provided you are prepared to burn the midnight candle,” the monarch stated.
Earlier, a representative of the Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Ndah Foundation, Mrs. Obiageli Ndah, described the scholarship as a springboard for beneficiaries to achieve their aspirations.
According to her, the programme celebrates the hard work and potential of the WAEC candidates while recognising the sacrifices of their families and educators.
“Today, we honour these outstanding WAEC candidates as shining examples of diligence and potential. Many of them have faced hurdles, cultural barriers and financial constraints, but these challenges have forged strength. This scholarship gives them the freedom to focus on learning and pursue their callings. It is the springboard for their dreams,” she noted.
Speaking to journalists after the launch, the Nigerian coordinator of the Tony Ndah Foundation Scholarship Scheme, Mrs. Helen Dunkwu, described the Foundation as a notable contributor to development in Asaba, recalling that its founder, Tony Ndah, single-handedly inaugurated the museum at the Asagba’s palace.
She explained that the WAEC scholarship scheme was the first of its kind for indigenous Asaba students and revealed plans to expand the initiative.
“So far, about 103 students have had their 2025/2026 WAEC examination fully paid for. The beneficiaries were drawn from 12 public secondary schools in Asaba. However, the Asagba advised that three private schools be included in subsequent editions, which will take effect next year,” she said.
Additionally, the successful beneficiaries would be expected to pass WAEC, JAMB, and Post-UTME, gain admission into tertiary institutions, and later sit for another examination organised by the Foundation to qualify for full tertiary education scholarships.
In a brief talk show, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Prof. (Mrs.) Etuna Mba, alongside Brenda Ndili-Okolie, highlighted the importance of education and cautioned against the growing menace of social vices among youths.
