OGWASHI-UKU, DELTA STATE — Education and grassroots leadership took centre stage in Aniocha South Local Government Area as Hon. Greg Mukolu, Councillor representing Edo, Azagba, and Otulu Ogwashi-Uku Ward, launched a scholarship initiative targeting Primary Six pupils preparing for the Common Entrance Examination.
The programme, which covered pupils from Ashinze, Ukwudiogor, and Edo Primary Schools in Desic Ward 1, is aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents while encouraging academic excellence among young learners at the community level.
Speaking during visits to the schools, Mukolu — popularly known as Ochendo 1 of Anioma Comrades — announced that outstanding pupils would receive scholarships that extend beyond primary education into secondary school. He also presented ₦50,000 each to the participating schools as support to improve educational activities and assist pupils’ preparation for exams.
The councillor said his intervention was designed to ensure that talented children are not denied educational opportunities because of economic hardship. According to him, education remains a critical foundation for community development and long-term social progress.
He noted that more than 100 pupils across the ward have benefited from his educational support initiatives, including assistance with examination fees, adding that such programmes help families facing rising living costs.
Teachers and non-teaching staff welcomed the councillor during the school visits, expressing appreciation for the support. Mukolu encouraged pupils to remain focused on their studies and reminded teachers of the importance of maintaining high educational standards despite challenges facing public schools.
He emphasised that improving education requires collective effort from leaders, educators, parents, and the wider community.
While reaffirming his commitment to grassroots education, Mukolu also appealed for increased government intervention, particularly in the deployment of more teachers and the provision of classroom facilities to improve learning outcomes in the ward.
Education stakeholders say initiatives like this could help address declining school enrolment and performance levels in some rural communities, where access to resources remains a major challenge.
