My Mother’s Sacrifice Inspired Unubiko Scholarship Programme — Founder

The Founder of the Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume, has said that the foundation’s scholarship programme was inspired by the sacrifices of his late mother, whose unwavering commitment to education deeply shaped his resolve to assist underprivileged students.

Ume who disclosed this during an interview with THE WHISTLER at the foundation’s scholarship award ceremony held on Friday, explained that his mother, a lifelong educationist, prioritised learning even in the most difficult conditions and ensured that children around her received basic education, often at great personal cost.

“My mother did,” Ume said when asked what inspired the programme. “She was an educationist. No matter how tough the situation was, she ensured that everyone around her children had access to basic education. She sacrificed everything she had.”

According to him, the name “Unubiko” was drawn from a phrase his mother often used during periods of hardship.

“She would bring us into the room and say, ‘Unubiko, don’t tell anybody that you’ve not eaten.’ Then we’d go to school, and by the time we came back, she would have something for us,” he recalled.

Ume said the foundation began providing scholarships informally in 2007, but it was formally registered and structured in 2024 to enhance its reach and sustainability.

The current scholarship scheme is designed to be gender-inclusive, with 60 percent of awards allocated to girls and 40 percent to boys. Beyond that, Ume noted that the foundation also runs specialised educational interventions that are entirely female-focused.

“There’s one we are doing in Idime Abam, where we’ve committed N50 million already, and another in Atan Abam, also exclusively for girls. Top-performing girls are picked and sponsored up to PhD level,” he said.

To ensure a fair and merit-based selection process, Ume said the foundation set up an independent scholarship committee composed of respected figures in education and public service.

The committee includes the chairman of the board, Dr. Eke Agbai, a double PhD holder; the Abia State Commissioner for Education, Professor Uche Eme-Uche; the Director of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Dr. C.K. Okoro; Mrs. Ngozi Ume, and Mr. Chinasa Ume.

“We have a standard and tough process of selection. Applicants must sit for examinations, and papers are marked independently. I don’t know any of the scholars personally. I’m just confident the committee is doing a great job,” he added.

Although the initiative is based in Abia State, Ume said it is open to students from other states who are enrolled in institutions within Abia.

“We are not discriminating. We’re ensuring that everyone is carried along,” he said.

Speaking on the programme’s impact, Ume noted that the results are visible in the lives of the beneficiaries, although he prefers not to take personal credit for the foundation’s achievements.

“The success stories are bound, but it’s not for me to say. Those who receive the support know what it has meant for them. I don’t take glory for the degrees God has given me,” he said.

Earlier during the event, the Chairman of the Unubiko Foundation addressed the beneficiaries, urging them to remain focused and hopeful. He said the foundation’s mission reflects the personal stories of its leaders, many of whom experienced similar struggles in their pursuit of education.

“What we do in the foundation is to mirror our lives for you guys to see that some of us who are now successful also went through hard times,” he said.

The Chairman recounted how he and his brother faced significant financial challenges while trying to complete their education.

“My Brother is here. We went through a whole lot of hard times to see ourselves through school. So what you are seeing today is hope being given to you that tomorrow is going to be better.

“As you walk through these scholarship programmes, dedicate yourself to studies, how to improve your environment, how to advance the civilisation of your own places,”he added.

The chairman also expressed surprise at the turnout at the event saying. “I didn’t know it was going to be such a big event. I don’t know how to follow protocols, that’s why he took the time to establish one. So I welcome all of you.”

He congratulated the beneficiaries and proceeded with the presentation of certificates. However, to students facing financial challenges, he advised: “Make very good use of the opportunity you’ve been given.”

My Mother’s Sacrifice Inspired Unubiko Scholarship Programme — Founder is first published on The Whistler Newspaper