FON and EBSU Transformation: A New Era For Lecturers, Staff and Students — Nwedu
Hon. Nwedu Abraham Nwedu, a member of the Ebonyi State Internal Revenue Service (EBSIRS), has commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for what he described as significant interventions aimed at repositioning Ebonyi State University (EBSU) for improved academic performance, staff welfare and student development.
Nwedu, in a statement, said the administration of Governor Nwifuru had demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening the university through financial support, improved welfare packages, student-focused policies, infrastructure development and initiatives designed to promote academic excellence.
According to him, one of the major interventions was the increase in the university's monthly subvention from ₦200 million to ₦280 million, which he said had provided EBSU with greater financial capacity to meet its obligations and sustain its operations.
He also noted the approval of a 20 per cent salary increase for academic staff and 10 per cent for non-academic staff, describing the measure as an important boost to staff morale and productivity.
Nwedu said the administration had also supported the payment of outstanding allowances and staff promotions, adding that improved welfare for lecturers and other employees was essential to maintaining a stable academic environment.
Student-Centred Interventions
The EBSIRS member highlighted the reduction in school fees by 10 per cent, saying the measure had helped reduce the financial pressure on students and their families.
He also commended transportation support for students, noting that easier movement to and from the university could contribute to improved attendance and academic participation.
Another initiative highlighted by Nwedu was the policy providing a pathway for first-class graduates to be engaged as graduate-assistant lecturers, which he said could help retain outstanding academic talent within the institution while encouraging young scholars to pursue careers in academia.
He described the initiative as an investment in human capital capable of strengthening the university's academic workforce over time.
Teaching Hospital and Infrastructure
Nwedu further pointed to the restoration of the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital as another significant intervention, noting its importance to medical education, clinical training and healthcare delivery.
He said improvements in infrastructure within and around the university, including work on the university road, would further enhance accessibility and create a more conducive environment for learning and research.
According to him, strengthening EBSU requires more than funding academic programmes; it also requires investment in the people, facilities and systems that enable the university to function effectively.
Nwedu said the various interventions represented a broader investment in lecturers, non-academic staff, students, research, innovation and the future workforce of Ebonyi State.
"Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated that when government pays attention to education, the impact goes beyond the university. It affects families, careers, professional development and future generations," he said.
He described the interventions as evidence of the administration's commitment to implementing the People's Charter of Needs, saying the philosophy was reflected in programmes designed to address practical challenges facing citizens and institutions.
Nwedu expressed optimism that sustained investment in EBSU would further strengthen the institution's academic reputation and contribute to the development of skilled professionals needed to drive Ebonyi's economic and social transformation.
He commended Governor Nwifuru for what he described as his commitment to education and human capital development, while urging lecturers, staff and students to reciprocate the government's interventions through dedication, discipline, academic excellence and responsible conduct.
Nwedu prayed for God's continued wisdom, strength and guidance for the governor as he continues to implement policies aimed at advancing education and other sectors of the state.
