Mark gives N41m bursary to indigent students

As part of the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark’s commitment to education and fulfilling his electoral promises, a total sum of N41 million has been disbursed to over 2,500 indigent students of Benue State and beyond under the 2012/2013 David Mark Scholarship Foundation.
So far about 15,500 students have benefitted from the scheme since its commencement in the year 2000.
The David Mark Scholarship Foundation was before now called David Mark Scholarship Scheme.
Speaking during the presentation of the bursary awards to students at the premises of the National Open University, Otukpo, Benue State Study Centre on Sunday, Senator Mark, who was represented by his wife, Helen Mark, admonished the students to shun any act of violence or anti-social behaviour
He noted that the Foundation would have achieved its aims when beneficiaries are devoted to their studies, respect the rules and regulations of their institutions and excel in their studies.
The Senate president said the only way to give back to the society is to give the youths the basic educational assistance in order to make them relevant in the society.
He said: “This is the only way I can give back to my constituents.
“I cannot give you fish all the time but I must be able to teach you how to catch the fish for your own benefit.
“Education is the only means of being a respectful citizen in the society.
“It will help you excel in this contemporary world and with your little efforts, sky is just the beginning.”
Senator Mark congratulated the recipients of the awards while urging them to make good use of the money.
He said: “Make sure you channel this money judiciously.
“Don’t involve yourself in any act of cultism or other social vices.
“Be a good citizen of this country.”
He reiterated his call for prayers for the nation and her leaders, saying Nigerians must never be tired of praying as that is the only panacea to the lingering violence in the land and for the sake of development.
Earlier, the Chairman, DMSF, Prof. James Alachi, commended Mark for the sustenance of the scholarship programme, adding that the president of the Senate has extended the programme to cover two students each from the 109 senatorial districts of the country, underprivileged children from various churches in his constituency, orphans and vulnerable children as well as gifted girl child .
Alachi said this year’s award was also increased from the N10,000 per student to N15,000.