Testimonials

My name is Nwaeze Lucy Ozioma, a proud beneficiary of the Ukawu Scholarship Initiative (USI) and a medical student of Ebonyi State University.

Looking back today, I can confidently say that my story is one of hope, faith, and extraordinary kindness.

From childhood, I dreamed of studying Medicine and Surgery. It was not just a career choice—it was a calling I cherished with all my heart. Yet, as the years passed, that dream seemed increasingly out of reach. My parents worked tirelessly, but the financial demands of medical education were simply beyond what they could comfortably afford. There were moments when I wondered whether my dream would remain just that—a dream.

Then we heard about the Ukawu Scholarship Initiative, founded by Engr. Paul Chukwu. When we learned that the scholarship would provide substantial financial support throughout a beneficiary’s university education, it sounded almost too good to be true. Still, I chose to apply in faith, believing that opportunities like this could change lives.

As the day of the scholarship award drew near, my mother and I committed ourselves to fasting and prayer. We believed that God could make a way where there seemed to be none.

On 15th November, 2025, we arrived at Ukawu Secondary School, the venue of the scholarship presentation. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, anticipation, and hundreds of hopeful faces. My mother and I sat there carrying nothing but hope.

The selection process was transparent. The scholarship was designed to admit only three beneficiaries, one each from Amankpuma, Okuzzu, and Amoffia. While Amankpuma and Okuzzu each had one qualified candidate, three of us from Amoffia met the requirements. A raffle draw was conducted to determine who would receive the single slot allocated to Amoffia.

When I picked my ticket, my heart sank.

I had lost in the raffle draw.

I looked across the crowd and caught sight of my mother. The disappointment on her face pierced my heart. Words cannot describe how I felt at that moment. It seemed as though my dream of becoming a doctor had slipped away before my eyes.

Then something happened that none of us expected.

Just when I was trying to gather the strength to accept the outcome, the Team Leader of the Initiative, Mr. Igwe Eze Chikodiri, made an announcement. He informed everyone that he had just received a directive from the founder and benefactor, Engr. Paul Chukwu.

Instead of awarding scholarships to only three students, all five qualified candidates would become beneficiaries of the Ukawu Scholarship Initiative.

For a few moments, I could hardly believe what I had heard. I wondered whether I had misunderstood the announcement. It felt unreal. The disappointment that had overwhelmed me only moments earlier was suddenly replaced with indescribable joy.

That night, I could not sleep.

The reality of what had happened kept replaying in my mind.

Then came another unforgettable moment.

When I received the ₦500,000 scholarship payment, I knew that a heavy burden had been lifted from my family. It was more than money, it was hope, reassurance, and the opening of a door that had once seemed permanently closed.

Today, I am studying Medicine and Surgery at Ebonyi State University, and every step I take reminds me that someone believed in my future enough to invest in it.

The Ukawu Scholarship Initiative has done far more than pay my school expenses. It has given me confidence, renewed my determination, and challenged me to pursue excellence. It has reminded me that when communities invest in education, they transform generations.

My deepest gratitude goes to Engr. Paul Chukwu, whose generosity and vision have changed the stories of many young people like me. His commitment to empowering the youths of Ukawu through education will continue to inspire generations.

I am proud to be part of the USI family. I remain committed to excelling academically, graduating as an outstanding medical doctor, and one day extending the same kindness and opportunity to others, just as it was extended to me.

Thank you, Engr. Paul Chukwu. Thank you, Ukawu Scholarship Initiative, for believing in my dream when it mattered most.

The Ukawu Scholarship Initiative (USI), founded by Engr. Paul Chukwu, has been a tremendous blessing to my academic journey. As a proud beneficiary of the first batch of scholars, this scholarship has eased my financial burden and allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies. Beyond the financial support, USI has inspired me to strive for academic excellence and remain committed to giving back to my community. I am sincerely grateful to Engr. Paul Chukwu and the entire USI team for investing in the future of young people like me.