By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AN Adjunct Professor of SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity UK, Dr Gregory Elayeche Oko, has hailed the Governing Council and Management of the University launch of the first cohort of its three-month diploma scholarship programmes and for graciously approving the expansion of beneficiaries from the initial 200 to 700.

Meanwhile, the approval was made on the passionate appeal of Oko to the University authority, which he described the approval as a landmark intervention that will provide life-changing educational opportunities for hundreds of Nigerians who constitute the majority of the beneficiaries, alongside a few participants from other African countries.

According to him, the first cohort comprises three-month diploma programmes in Community Health and Development, Public Health, Epidemiology and Disease Control, Nursing and Healthcare, Educational Leadership and Management, Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response, Women Empowerment and Leadership, Gender and Human Rights, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Systems, Project Management, Social Policy and Development, Human Rights and Social Justice, and Environmental Impact Assessment.

The programmes will be delivered through both online and face-to-face learning to equip participants with knowledge, leadership capacity, and relevant professional competencies.

Meanwhile, he (Oko) noted that the SWCW Eduversity commitment to expanding access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning, professional development, innovation, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demonstrates its unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and transforming communities through education.

He said these noble ideals resonate strongly with his vision and mission in the Greg Elayeche Oko Foundation, which is committed to promoting quality education, healthcare, scholarships, mentorship, empowerment, and community development for the less privileged.

He also reaffirmed his commitment, as an Adjunct Professor of SouthWest CommonWealth Eduversity UK, to working collaboratively with the University leadership, the Adjunct Faculty, and other staff to ensure the successful implementation of the programmes and the expansion of educational opportunities for deserving Africans.

He expressed optimism that this pioneering initiative would leave a lasting legacy in human capital development and sustainable development across Nigeria and the African continent.

He also expressed gratitude to Adjunct Faculty members who collectively constitute the pioneering academic team for the University first diploma scholarship cohort in Africa.

He thanked Dr. Ella Adakole Boniface, Adjunct Associate Professor; Dr. Thomas Odey Magu, Adjunct Associate Professor; Dr. Patrick Ogar Ogar, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Sir Solomon Ofem Iyam, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Sir Gerald Uche Ikhizamah, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Barr. Pascal Aboh, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Engr. Sunday Ogbor Ogar, Adjunct Senior Lecturer; Mr. Bob Abua, Adjunct Lecturer; and Mr. James Adoga Idagu, Adjunct Lecturer, for accepting the voluntary call to render selfless service to humanity through education.

He commended their commitment to coordinating the various diploma programmes, publicising the scholarship opportunities, mobilising prospective students, and preparing for the successful commencement of both online and face-to-face lectures.