In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, the government said Oko's emergence has once again brought the state to global limelight as the nave of superlative intelligence in Nigeria.
It noted that Oko's achievement was quite expected going by his splendid academic track record laced with multiple laurels and crowns from both domestic and foreign academic institutions, culminating in his current position as an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the Newcastle University, United Kingdom.
"By clinching this prize, Oko has made not only Ebonyi State proud but the entire Nigerian nation and the African continent.
"This development is indeed a reflection of the inherent diligent and innovative spirit of Ebonyi people always exhibited in every sphere of positive human endeavour.
"We are optimistic that going by the very strong foundation and capacity enhancing educational programmes and policies of our dear Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, these uncommon feats by Ebonyi people will continue to not only be sustained but steadily improved upon in both dimension and variation.
"Governor Nwifuru, in less than two years, has made unprecedented investment in human capital development. He has not only increased funding and budgetary provision for the education sector beyond the globally prescribed threshold but has offered scholarships to over 1000 young Ebonyians at present to study for their masters and doctorate degrees in renowned local and foreign universities, mainly in different fields of Science and technology.
"The state government's intention in doing this is to expose these young, excelling scholars to world class intellectual and practical experiences, equipping them to compete favourably with others in the ever dynamic and innovative world.
"In funding these higher studies, the administration of Governor Nwifuru has not neglected the foundational education levels of basic and secondary schools. He has recruited teachers to boost the teaching staff strength in public schools in the state.
" The ongoing construction of 39 model secondary schools across the senatorial zones of the state is a deliberate plan of this administration to carve a niche in education that would meet global standards, making Ebonyi state 'primus inter pares' in quality learning among the states in Nigeria.
"Indeed, the likes of Engr. Eni Oko will continue to be great sources of joy, inspiration, and encouragement to the Government of Ebonyi State to redouble her efforts in promoting quality education in spite of the cost.
"We, therefore, once again, extend our heartfelt congratulations to Engr. Eni Oko", the statement said.
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