August 31, 2024
A visually impaired widow and over 600 students from ESM University in Benin Republic, alongside their parents, have made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the recent ban on the university’s certificates in Nigeria.
These students, who are recipients of scholarships provided by the Omega Power Ministries (OPM), have expressed their deep distress following the announcement of the Federal Government’s decision. The unexpected news has cast a shadow over their educational prospects and the significant investments made by their benefactor, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere.
Speaking from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the students and their families shared their concerns with Apostle Chinyere, lamenting the potential loss of their future if their education is abruptly halted. One such parent, Mrs. Josephine Hycienth, a visually impaired widow, described the immense relief she felt when her son received the scholarship. She now fears that the ban will leave her son without the support needed to continue his education.
“I have no one else to turn to since my husband’s passing,” Mrs. Hycienth said. “If my son is forced to return home, there will be no one to assist him in continuing his education. We urgently need President Tinubu’s help.”
Moses Nicodemus, a 200-level Computer Science student at the university, echoed this sentiment. “I was in Nigeria for my Industrial Training when I heard that my school’s accreditation had been revoked,” he said. “Our benefactor has invested millions in our education. We just want to complete our studies and earn our degrees.”
Apostle Chinyere, who has funded the students’ education through church offerings and tithes, voiced his frustration over the situation. He emphasized that before initiating the scholarship program, he had verified the accreditation status of ESM University with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education. Based on the positive confirmation, he proceeded with sending students to study at the institution.
“These students’ education should not be jeopardized,” Apostle Chinyere stressed. “The funds for their education come from the generous donations of church members. Reversing this decision is crucial to allowing these children to return to school.”
He further called on President Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene, highlighting the dire consequences of leaving these students stranded in the middle of their academic journey.
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