Emem Julius, Calabar

The Association of Brotherhood Academic Scholars, a scholarly arm of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star; a religious sect with headquarter in Calabar, Cross River State, has awarded scholarships to about 411 undergraduates and 50 postgraduate students across Nigeria, as part of efforts to advance academic and moral excellence.

This was disclosed on Tuesday in Calabar during the 4th edition of the fellowship’s Mega Campus Conference, with the theme; “From Belief to Practice: Advancing Academic and Moral Excellence held in Collaboration with the Department of Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, University of Calabar.

The International President of the forum, Hon. Ekuma Ngwu, said the scholarship programme was approved by the Spiritual leader of the organization, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu to support indigent but brilliant students within and outside Nigeria.

He said, “As we speak today, we have more than 411 students enjoying the ABAS International Scholarship. This scholarship covers over 400 undergraduates and 50 Postgraduate students. It also extends to international students. It is part of our mandate to sensitize academic communities on the need for moral and academic excellence.”

Speaking on the Mega Campus conference, now in its fourth year, Ngwu noted that the initiative was conceived to address moral decadence and promote character development among students.

Tracing the trajectory of the initiative, Ngwu noted that the first edition was held in Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic campus with the theme “The Power of Love in Healing the Fractured World while the second edition took place at the University of Calabar in collaboration with the Department of Religious Studies, with a focus on “Behavioral Change Approach and Moral Regeneration among Students.”

Ngwu further stated that last year, the group partnered with the Department of Mass Communication of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) with focus on “Attitudinal Transformation for Moral and Academic Excellence, adding that the association has entered into partnership with the University of Calabar entrepreneur Centre to train students and fresh graduates in entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.

“This year, we have moved from belief to practice. We are not just talking about morals, we are also talking about entrepreneurship and practical solutions that can make students self-reliant”, he stated.

Ngwu commended the guests speakers, government officials, lecturers and students for their participation, and urged young people to embrace values that promote academic excellence and nation-building.