The National Irrigation Commission Limited (NIC) has awarded over 20 students across tertiary and secondary institutions with scholarships and grants totalling $1 million for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic years.
The scholarship initiative, which commenced in 1998, targets the children of employees within the NIC who have been doing well academically while displaying strong involvement in extra-curricular activities.
Speaking at the awards ceremony on Thursday, March 24, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr, commended the scholarships recipients on their display of resilience and excellence during the pandemic.
He encouraged the students to see agriculture as a significant option when choosing their future pursuits and career paths and invited them to consider joining agricultural-based programmes such as the 4-H Clubs and make a difference in the sector.
“You are not too young to think of the next great innovation within agriculture,” said Charles Jr.
He lauded the work of the NIC in agriculture and making a commitment towards young people in helping them to pursue their goals, adding that the scholarships represented the priority that the Ministry, the NIC, and he as Minister place on youth.
“I want us to see agriculture as a science, as a business as an opportunity for our young people; as a space for our young people to grow and feel like they can create and innovate,” he added.
Five secondary students were awarded scholarships valued at $100,000 each. Three tertiary students were awarded scholarships valued at $150,000 each, as well as four students received academic grants valued at $25,000 each.
The NIC is a key agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries tasked with supporting the development and sustainability of agriculture through the provision and regulation of irrigation services.
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