By: Jude Chinedu and Uchenna Inya
No fewer than 20,000 students in Enugu and Ebonyi states are set to benefit from a free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration initiative, under the South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA).
The programme was formally launched in Enugu by the National Coordinator of the group, Belusochukwu Enwere, who described the intervention as a strategic investment in the future of young people in the state.
Speaking at the event in Enugu, yesterday, Enwere said the initiative was designed to remove financial barriers that prevent many brilliant students from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“Today is not just a ceremony. Today is a movement —a movement of hope, a movement of empowerment, a movement that declares boldly that the future of Enugu State will not be limited by financial barriers,” he said.
He noted that education remains the strongest pillar of sustainable development and warned that many talented students lose opportunities annually because they cannot afford examination registration fees.
“Many brilliant young minds lose opportunities each year simply because they cannot afford registration fees. That reality must change, and, today, President Bola Tinubu is changing it,” Enwere stated.
He said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope vision of youth inclusion, educational access, and human capital development.
“This programme is not charity; it is strategic empowerment. When we educate our youths, we secure our economy. When we empower our students, we strengthen our nation.
“Through this initiative, we are investing directly in 10,000 future doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who will transform Enugu State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
Enwere urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and prepare diligently for their examinations. “To our dear students, this opportunity is both a privilege and a responsibility. Prepare seriously for your examinations. Let discipline, determination, and excellence guide you. Do not allow distractions to steal your focus. The world is competitive, and you must rise to the challenge,” he advised.
He also reassured parents and guardians that the intervention was intended to ease their financial burden and demonstrate that the future of their children remains a priority.
“To the parents and guardians, this intervention is designed to ease your burden and assure you that your children’s future matters,” he said.
The national coordinator commended coordinators, partners, and community leaders who contributed to the success of the programme noting that their commitment to youth development was commendable.
He further emphasised that the initiative sends a strong signal that the Southeast region will not lag behind in educational advancement.
“Let this initiative send a clear message: the South East will not be left behind in educational advancement. Enugu State will continue to produce outstanding scholars and leaders. Today, we register 10,000 students; tomorrow we celebrate 10,000 success stories,” Enwere said.
The event attracted education stakeholders, parents, and students who lauded the initiative as a timely intervention aimed at expanding access to tertiary education in the state.
Also speaking in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the Coordinator, SERHA, Enwere, reiterated education remains the most powerful tool for personal transformation and national development.
“We believe that talent exists in every home in Ebonyi State. What is needed is an opportunity and, today, we are providing that opportunity”, he said.
He urged the students not to take the opportunity for granted.
“This is your stepping stone to greater heights. Prepare diligently. Study with focus. Discipline yourselves. Excellence must be your watchword. Remember that the future belongs to those who prepare for it today”, he charged the students.
The students were selected from the 13 local government areas across the state. Some of the beneficiaries, including Afaye Gideon Chiemerie and Nwode Chioma, commended the group for the gesture and promised to utilise the opportunity properly. The beneficiaries were given cash of N8,500 each by SERHA for the JAMB registration.
