By Abasi Ita
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District, has facilitated postgraduate scholarships valued at ₦55 million for 11 indigent students from the district in furtherance of his commitment to human capital development.
The award was disclosed in a press statement dated December 13, 2025, signed by his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Ted Inyang. The statement congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain disciplined, focused and dedicated to academic excellence.
It stated that the beneficiaries were selected through a competitive application, screening and interview process. Each scholar received ₦5 million to cover tuition and living expenses for one academic session in Nigerian universities, in line with approved guidelines.
Senator Asuquo expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would deploy the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to contribute meaningfully to the development of Cross River State and the country.
The beneficiaries include Believe Francis Effiong and Prince Charles Itu, both pursuing MSc Environmental Resource Management at the University of Calabar. Others are Asuquo Emmanuel Ekpe, Blessing B. Agbo, Oko Paul Ogwihi and Evalsam Ekpe, all studying MSc Biochemistry at the University of Cross River State and the University of Calabar.
Also listed are Eno Tony, an MSc Business Administration student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Brian Akot Ekpin Agbor, MSc Business Management at the University of Calabar; Effiom Ekeng Effiom and Dinah Awatt, both studying for a Master of Public Health at the University of Calabar; and Eugene Upah, an MSc Computer Science student at Rivers State University.
The Senator reaffirmed his resolve to continue supporting education as a key driver of sustainable development and social advancement in Cross River South.