Senator Umeh Awards Scholarships to 10 Visually Impaired Students, Pays Teacher ₦300,000

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, OFR, has awarded scholarships to 10 visually impaired students of St. Mary’s High School, Ifitedunu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The scholarships, according to the senator, will cover the beneficiaries’ education up to the completion of their first university degrees.

Umeh announced the scholarships on Sunday during the school’s inauguration of the 2026/2027 academic session, which featured the investiture of new students, presentation of awards and a send-off ceremony for the immediate past SS3 students.

In addition to supporting the visually impaired students, the senator awarded full scholarships to two outstanding academic performers: Master Michael Chukwudi Udobi, the overall best graduating student, who recently gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, and Master Franklin Chinemelum Nwokoye, the best-performing SS2 student in Government.

As part of his commitment to improving the learning conditions of the visually impaired students, Umeh also pledged to donate Braille typewriters, 10 recorders, 10 memory cards and 10 white canes to support their education and mobility.

He immediately released funds for the procurement of the items.

In another gesture, the lawmaker approved a monthly salary enhancement of ₦50,000 for the school’s visually impaired teacher, Mrs Chinyere, and released ₦300,000 to cover the additional allowance for six months.

Umeh, who is the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming general election, was accompanied to the event by Engr. Basil Obidi, the party’s House of Assembly candidate for Dunukofia Constituency.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the visually impaired students, John Perete Benedict Miracle, from Bayelsa State, expressed gratitude to Umeh for his generosity and commitment to the welfare of students with special needs and the school community.

The Manager of St. Mary’s High School, Rev. Fr. Cosmas Emengini, also thanked the senator for his support and contributions to educational development, particularly in promoting inclusive education for students with special needs.

The event underscored Umeh’s commitment to educational development, inclusivity and youth empowerment in Anambra Central Senatorial District.