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In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment to education, Dr. Terna Francis, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Education Quality Assurance and Examinations Board (BEQAEAB), has taken full responsibility for sponsoring a determined young student’s journey through medical school.
Godwin Ikyoga, an indigene of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State, first captured public attention when his story went viral. As a secondary school student facing severe financial hardship, he was photographed pushing a wheelbarrow to raise funds for his education—a powerful symbol of grit and determination. That same resilience eventually earned him admission to study Medicine and Surgery at the Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University in Makurdi.
Despite securing the much-desired university placement, Godwin’s dream remained under threat due to ongoing financial constraints that made it difficult to meet tuition and other academic expenses.
Dr. Terna Francis has now changed the narrative decisively. He personally paid Godwin’s first-year school fees in full and has pledged to sponsor the student’s entire six-year medical programme. The commitment extends beyond tuition to include support for additional challenges the young scholar may encounter during his studies.
The intervention has been widely praised as a major lifeline for Godwin and a strong statement on the value of investing in education, particularly for talented but disadvantaged youths.
Public support also played a key role in Godwin’s journey. A Facebook crowdfunding campaign organized by well-wishers raised ₦850,000, providing further financial backing for his academic pursuit and demonstrating the power of collective responsibility.
The development has drawn widespread commendation, with many describing it as an inspiring example of leadership, empathy, and community solidarity. Godwin Ikyoga’s story—from wheelbarrow to medical school—continues to motivate others, while Dr. Terna Francis’s generous action highlights how individual and institutional support can transform lives and open doors that once seemed permanently closed.
