By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A Chinese firm, Zhotian Construction Company, has fulfilled the scholarship promise it made to 600 secondary students of Igwebuike Grammer School, Awka, in Anambra State.

Managing Director of the firm, Makoan Tu, disclosed this during a visit to the school where he offered to pay school fees for all SS1-SS3 students of the school for one academic year.

He explained that the gesture which was part of his firm's Corporate Social Responsibility was in support of the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo's free education programme and other policies aimed at ensuring every child in the state had access to quality education.

Confirming the receipt of N5 million from the firm, the school Principal, Mr. Jovita Arazu, appreciated the group for the gesture, particularly for fulfilling the promise within a record time.

He added, "The Manager of the firm, Mr. Tu, came yesterday during break time with a check of N3million for the beneficiaries.

"The students came out in their numbers to welcome him with songs and dances while pictures were also taken.

"The Senior Perfect, who spoke on behalf of others, promised they would live up to expectations and won't let him down. They were happy it would be a relief to their parents.

"Some of the parents have been calling to express their gratitude to both the company and state government.

"We thank Mr. Governor and the Commissioner for Education for facilitating that move. It will go a long way to alleviating the hardship faced by parents and students at this critical time.

"We also want to use this opportunity to call on other well meaning individuals and firms to offer scholarships to indigent students in their various communities.

"There are so many students that need such help. Whatever help that is given will be appreciated.

"Mr Tu is a gentleman, he made the promise two weeks from the time the discussion started and after the first day, he came to see the students, the following day he came with the cheque. We're are very happy he fulfilled his promise within a record time."

Earlier, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, had thanked Mr. Tu for the offer and urged students to remain focused and dedicated to their studies.

Update news