Succour came the way of 10,000 indigent students in Edo State, as the member representing the Etsako federal constituency of the state in the House of Representatives, Anamero Dekeri, announced free registration for next year’s Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE).
The House of Representatives member said the beneficiaries of the gesture cut across the three senatorial districts of the state, on an equal basis, adding that the gesture was aimed at removing the financial constraints that previously hindered and cut short the dreams of many deserving students from pursuing and getting quality education to an acceptable level.
Dekeri said, “It is imperative to bring to your notice the final modalities that have been put in place for the equitable distribution of the 10,000 WAEC forms that I have earlier proposed to pay for indigent students in Edo State, who are billed to sit for the examinations next year.
“This initiative is aimed at ensuring equitable access to education for Edo State children. This is to reiterate my commitment to providing opportunities for every child to thrive and actualise his/her individual careers, as education remains the pivot for the development and prosperity of any society and nation”.
Dekeri, who is also an aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for next year’s governorship election, noted that the gesture was devised to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich and alleviate the burden placed on economically disadvantaged families.
He added, “Education should be a fundamental right, accessible to every child, regardless of socio-economic background. Therefore, it is my firm belief that the initiative will empower the indigent students of the state, enable them to compete on a level playing field, and unlock their full potentials”.
He called on stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and philanthropic individuals to join hands with him to make this vision a reality, by pulling resources together to leverage on “our collective strengths to make a lasting impact, breaking shackles of poverty and transforming lives through education”.
He said, “This distribution of free enrollment initiative for SSCE students in public schools will not only alleviate the financial burden facing families but will also foster a strong and educated workforce, drive economic growth, and ensure a brighter future for people of the state”.
