how does Achebe convey the significance of the Umuofia Progressive Union in 'No Longer at Ease'?

The Union provides scholarships for promising students in the subject, but also expects thise same students to return home and use their degree for the Union, and as a way to bring honor to their society. The Union has enormous influence in society, but note.... these are not rich men. Members of the Union make a concerted effort to collect enough money for scholarships. Straying from custom and using scholarship money in anyway other than the way it was intended would become a source of strife.