NSUKKA, Nigeria — To foster academic excellence and intellectualism among undergraduates, Emeka Monye, the Anambra State correspondent of Arise News Television, has instituted a N2 million endowment fund for the best-graduating student in Mass Communications at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN.
Monye, an alumnus of the institution, unveiled the initiative at the university on Monday, March 3, 2025, stating that the fund was established as a means of giving back to his alma mater and making a lasting impact on the institution.
The endowment fund, set to run for the next 10 years, will award N200,000 annually to the department’s top-performing graduating student.
“I hope that with this development, other well-meaning Nigerians, particularly journalists, would follow suit to, as a matter of urgency, encourage intellectualism in institutions of higher learning,” Monye, who hails from Owerre-Olubor in Delta State, said during the launch.
In response, the university governing council formally recognised the initiative in a letter signed by Leonard Ezeme, the Senior Deputy Registrar and Head of the Career Services Centre.
The university expressed gratitude to Monye for his contribution towards promoting academic distinction.
“On behalf of the university Governing Council and the university management, the acting Vice-Chancellor once again appreciates the kind gesture of Emeka Monye of Arise News for encouraging academic excellence in our university,” the letter read.
The university further advised Monye to ensure his presence or have a representative attend the Prize and Awards Night Convocation Ceremony, where the award would be presented annually.
The initiative is expected to motivate students within the department to strive for excellence while potentially inspiring other professionals to invest in academic institutions across the country.
