Step-by-Step Guide On How to Apply for Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Educational Support Initiative (ESI) 2026

The Constituency Office of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has officially announced the commencement of the Fourth Edition of the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Educational Support Initiative (ESI) for the 2026 academic cycle, a programme aimed at easing the financial burden on students across the Cross River South Senatorial District.

 

The initiative, which has steadily grown into one of the most impactful education-focused interventions in the district, will provide financial support of ₦100,000 each to 1,000 qualified students, amounting to a total disbursement of ₦100 million. The support is targeted at indigenous and resident students of Cross River South, reinforcing the Senator’s long-standing commitment to education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and human capital growth.

 

Commitment to Education and Human Capital Development

 

According to the Constituency Office, the ESI programme is part of Senator Ekpenyong’s broader legislative and constituency engagement efforts to ensure that young people are not denied access to education due to financial constraints. Over the years, beneficiaries of earlier editions have testified that the support helped them pay tuition fees, purchase academic materials, and settle accommodation and research-related expenses.

 

Education, the Senator has repeatedly emphasized, remains one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty, curbing youth unemployment, and preparing the next generation of leaders for Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

 

Who Is Eligible?

 

The Educational Support Initiative is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students who are currently enrolled in recognized tertiary institutions across the country.

 

Eligible institutions include:

Federal and State Universities

Colleges of Education

Colleges of Health Technology

Schools of Nursing

 

However, applicants must meet specific residency and origin requirements. Only indigenes and residents of Cross River South Senatorial District are eligible.

The qualifying local government areas are:

Akamkpa

Akpabuyo

Biase

Bakassi

Calabar South

Calabar Municipal

Odukpani

To ensure transparency and credibility, all applications will undergo verification. Admission letters and Certificates of Origin submitted by applicants will be carefully screened to confirm eligibility.

 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply

 

Prospective beneficiaries are advised to follow the application process carefully, as only applications submitted through the approved channel will be considered.

 

Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal

Applicants are required to apply online via the official ESI portal: 👇

https://esi.asuquoekpenyong.com

 

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

On the portal, applicants must accurately fill in their personal details, academic information, institution of study, and local government of origin. All information provided must be consistent with the supporting documents.

 

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Applicants will be required to upload scanned copies of relevant documents, including admission letters and Certificates of Origin. These documents will form the basis for verification and screening.

 

Step 4: Submit Application

After reviewing all entries for accuracy, applicants should submit their application through the portal. Only successfully submitted applications will be processed.

 

Important Application Notices

 

The Constituency Office has issued several critical notices to guide applicants:

 

Only applicants who apply via the official portal will be shortlisted.

 

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly and invited for physical or virtual screening, as may be required.

 

Selection will be conducted through a transparent, algorithm-based process, ensuring fairness and strict compliance with the submitted requirements.

 

 

Applicants are strongly advised to avoid third-party agents or unofficial links, as the application process is entirely free.

 

Application Timeline

 

The application portal follows a clearly defined schedule:

 

Portal Opens: Monday, 12th January 2026, by 7:00 PM

 

Portal Closes: Wednesday, 21st January 2026, at 11:00 PM prompt

 

 

Late applications will not be entertained once the portal closes, and students are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

 

Support and Enquiries

 

To assist applicants throughout the process, a dedicated support line has been provided. Students experiencing difficulties or seeking clarification can contact the toll-free line: 0800-123-5152. The Constituency Office has assured applicants that support staff will be available to respond to genuine enquiries related to the application process.

 

A Growing Legacy of Educational Support

 

The Fourth Edition of the ESI underscores the continuity and consistency of Senator Ekpenyong’s education-focused interventions. By prioritizing students from diverse tertiary institutions—including universities, colleges of education, and health-related schools—the initiative reflects an inclusive approach to educational development across multiple disciplines.

 

As thousands of students prepare their applications, expectations are high that the 2026 edition will further strengthen academic pursuits in Cross River South and inspire more young people to pursue their educational goals with renewed confidence.

 

The announcement was formally signed by Charles Ekanem, on behalf of the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Constituency Office, with a message wishing all applicants success as they apply.