PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU'S REPLY TO EDIFY COORDINATOR

Mr Uche Nwaekpe,

National Secretary of AFED

and Coordinator Edify Programmes in Nigeria.

Dear Uche,

My name is Prof Ben Onyeukwu, founder/proprietor of Crown Scientific Seminary of Nigeria (CSSN) International Schools Limited. 

   I'm glad to see your shaky clarifications on the GRANT-LOAN controversy of the Edify group. In your assertion you posited that you never talked of GRANT, but soft loan. But, I'm sure in your official capacity as the Coordinator of the Edify programmes in Nigeria, the first time I heard you talked of Soft Loan was at Tripod Hotel, where you made mentioned of Soft Loan, which will be repayable from three years. If I may ask, where is that promise? Why is the soft loan not obtainable today? And, why are we now talking of loan with harsh conditions?

   Prior to the Tripod Hotel programmes, the hopeless hope of GRANT had been very must talked about. The question now, is who introduced the concept of GRANT, without your notice? Was it from other members of Edify team? Or what is from AFED officials, who may have dangled the GRANT, as a bait to lure the unsuspecting proprietors to your programme? This is subject to your investigation. For, as a matter concrete findings, over 80% of the people that attended your programmes came with the illusion of the so called GRANT. You can also find out.

EDIFY NIGERIA AND EDU-LOAN

EDIFY NIGERIA
AND EDU-LOAN
--A Test of Integrity
By Prof. Ben Onyeukwu

In recent time, the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), was ushered into a real time blessing, when it came in contact with Edify Nigeria, which really transformed the fortunes of its proprietors, who are managers of low income schools. In fact, Edify Nigeria was awesome in the training and educational programmes, which it rendered to these cited private school owners. Without mincing words, the five-star hotel Venues slated for the training periods, and the unforgettable sumptuous meals enjoyed by participants during each training session, will remain evergreen in the memories of those who were privileged to be part of the training.
   However, the attention of these hallowed education partners needs to be drawn to what may have been imported by unscrupulous elements, which seems to have thrown a dent on the reputation of Edify Nigeria. Having said this, the writer wishes to point out what may be deemed an omission, or a misleading piece of advice which may not have been part of the original plan. For instance, some folks who participated in the Edify's lofty programmes talk of GRANT, not LOAN, as what the Edify organization promised them in the process of the training, and so, are surprised to notice a change after the training. Equally, they express concern over policy shifts, which moved from GRANT to soft LOAN, from soft LOAN to one digit LOAN, from one digit LOAN, to now stringent conditions before the LOAN can be obtained. They express the fact that, LOAN is not help, but bandage, It is, as well not a relief, but a burden. Also, LOAN is a business of the creditor, which yields interest as profit, and can never be referred to as help. Furthermore, the impression of the Edify Staff who visited AFED schools, which indicates that, "school proprietors who successfully implement what was learnt during Edify training may not need a loan", may be suggestive that, loan should not be expected. All the above, point to ethical question, which Edify Nigeria needs to clarify.
   Finally, Edify Nigeria should reconsider its present stance, if it has beforehand made a promise to offer GRANT after training, as any change from the original promise, will definitely cast a shadow of doubt on the integrity of this internationally acclaimed Christian organization, known for its lofty ethical standards. And, by way of conclusion, the writer and every stakeholder, sincerely thank the Edify group, for becoming a blessing to the low income school proprietors in Nigeria. Shalom!