The Chairman of Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area, Jimoh Saliu, has presented free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to 100 indigent students.
The beneficiaries, drawn from senior secondary school two and three classes, were selected after excelling in a mock examination held at the end of a four-week summer coaching programme organised by the council.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the council secretariat, Jimoh reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting youth education.
‘We are trying to build the future of our youth and assure them that their future is secure with us’, he said on Sunday.
He stated that the initiative targeted brilliant but underprivileged students, adding that top-performing candidates would be supported to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exams.
‘For those interested in science-related fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Computer Science, the local government will provide scholarships to support their education’, he added.
The council also noted it plans to establish a technical secondary school to cater to students seeking vocational skills.
‘We recognise that not every student will follow the same academic path. So, we want to create opportunities for technical education to empower our youths with practical skills’, Jimoh said.
The Head of Education in Apapa-Iganmu, Jinadu Olalekan, described the gesture as ‘a lifeline for many students’.
Some students who benefited from the scheme also expressed gratitude.
‘I am very grateful for this opportunity’, said Muritadoh Adunni, an SSS 3 student.
Another beneficiary, Omilabu Eniola, pledged to make the council proud.
‘I promise to study hard’, she said. Otunuyi Olanrewaju called the initiative proof of the chairman’s ‘generosity and vision’.
