No fewer than 600 students of Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, Anambra State, have been offered scholarships by Chinese engineering firm, Mo Zhotian Construction Company.

According to the firm’s Managing Director, Tu Makuan, the scholarship, which is for students between SS1 and SS3, would run for an academic session.

Makuan added that the gesture was part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility, in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy.

He said, “We are here to announce the sponsorship of school fees for students from SS1 to SS3 for one academic year. If we get more jobs, we will do more for you. This is part of our corporate social responsibility.

“We are the company constructing Solution Fun City. Whenever I am driving to our construction site close to your school, I am always attracted to your school.”

The state commissioner for education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, said the gesture followed the commitment of both teachers and students at the school.

Chuma-Udeh thanked the firm for its generosity, urging others to emulate such a gesture.

“I have passion for the school because of your dedication to your studies. I have seen several students on the road during school hours, but I have not seen any of your students. The spirit of academics you exhibit has paid off.

“If you are good at what you do, whether students or teachers, nature will always reward you. Someone else saw what I saw in you and decided to extend an arm of philanthropy to you,” she added.

The Senior Prefect of the school, Chinedu Anago, who responded on behalf of the pupils, appreciated the firm for the gesture, pledging improved commitment to their studies to justify the scholarships.