A renowned engineer and businessman, Engr. Dr. Emem Coffie has described human capital investment as key to the rapid progress and prosperity of Akwa Ibom people both at home and in the diaspora.
Engr. Coffie, a fellow of professional engineering bodies in Nigeria and internationally, made the remarks yesterday at the sidelines of the scholarship screening process, which he facilitated for candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) in Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; and University of Cross River State, Calabar.
At the event, which was held at the premises of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Engr Coffie highlighted that he was motivated to raise a generation of youths that will not only add value to the state and country but will further groom future generations of citizens for a better society.
According to Engr Coffie, who is also the founder of a popular NGO, JC Vangurad Development Foundation, “This programme is designed to be an annual event for qualified candidates, and I sincerely wish to encourage beneficiaries to study hard to achieve remarkable success in their chosen field of study.”
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with our correspondent at the venue, expressed deep-seated gratitude to the philanthropist for his kind gesture, stressing that he has availed them a rare opportunity to improve their fortunes in life.
Our correspondent reports that many brilliant youths are targeted to benefit from the scholarship programme; phase one has many beneficiaries, while the selection of candidates for phase two is ongoing till the end of the month.
The programme is expected to continue next year.
