The Ihe Development Initiative (IDI) is proud to celebrate the fourth year of the Alhaji and Mrs. Ismaila Ugwu PGD Scholarship Award (AUPSA) — a life-changing endowment created to bridge the educational gap for HND holders in Ihe community.
In Nigeria, holders of the Higher National Diploma (HND) face an additional hurdle on the path to higher education: they must complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before being admitted into a Master’s programme. Recognising this barrier, Dr. Zubair Ismaila Ugwu (Sunday, Nwa Alhaji) established the AUPSA to ensure that talented men and women of Ihe are not denied the opportunity to advance their studies.
What the Scholarship Offers
Each year, two deserving HND holders are awarded ₦250,000 each to pursue their PGD in any Nigerian university. Over the past four years, this programme has empowered multiple beneficiaries, easing their financial burdens and opening doors to postgraduate education.
Eligibility Criteria
To maintain the integrity and purpose of the award, applicants must:
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Be an indigene of Ihe.
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Reside in Nigeria.
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Be under 45 years of age.
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Hold an HND (not below Upper Credit).
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Be mentally and medically fit.
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Have no criminal record.
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Demonstrate the capacity to meet the demands of postgraduate research.
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Not already be pursuing a Master’s degree.
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Submit O’Level and Bachelor’s degree certificates (or statement of result).
Beyond Financial Aid
The AUPSA is more than a financial grant; it is a symbol of opportunity and community upliftment. By investing in postgraduate education, the scholarship empowers recipients to contribute meaningfully to society, mentor others, and strengthen Ihe’s intellectual capital.
As the programme enters its fourth year, IDI celebrates the vision of Dr. Zubair Ismaila Ugwu and the legacy of Alhaji and Mrs. Ismaila Ugwu, whose generosity continues to shape futures and inspire hope.