By Chioma Nwankwo
Two indigenes of Onitsha, Barbara Nzubechukwu Egbuji and Victoria Chiemelie Munonyedi, have been awarded full undergraduate scholarships to study at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos, under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
Egbuji, from Umudei Village, will study Strategic Communication, while Munonyedi, from Umuase Village, will study Mass Communication.
Their selection followed a rigorous recruitment and screening exercise involving 82 candidates, organised by the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF) to identify academically promising young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The initiative began in March 2025 with community outreach across Onitsha. The recruitment committee, led by Azumdialo Thelma Chiwuzie, worked with the OnAF Coordinator, Dr. Rita Melifonwu, to identify prospective candidates.
Following a coordination meeting between OnAF and PAU on March 18, 2025, applicants were briefed on available programmes, admission requirements and scholarship opportunities.
Ten candidates who met the initial academic requirements were shortlisted for further interviews and assessments by the university. Egbuji and Munonyedi emerged as the final beneficiaries on April 22, 2026.
Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Melifonwu described the scholarship as “a game-changer,” noting that it would help bridge the gap between the potential of young people and their access to quality higher education.
She said the initiative would not only provide academic opportunities but also contribute to the intellectual and economic empowerment of young people from underserved communities.
A representative of Pan-Atlantic University said the institution was committed to identifying deserving students from underserved communities, while commending OnAF for its grassroots network and role in reaching potential beneficiaries.
The representative noted that candidates must also satisfy the eligibility requirements of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
The scholarship offers the two beneficiaries an opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions while building skills that could contribute to their communities and society at large.
Chioma Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
