By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Rasheed Shabi, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency II, on Wednesday sponsored 150 indigent students to obtain free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) registration forms in the constituency.
Shabi, during the donation at the Human Development Initiative Centre, Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos, said that the gesture was to empower indigent students to pursue their education.
He noted that the idea was part of numerous initiatives to impact positively on the youths of his constituency and encourage them to further their education.
The lawmaker said: “I am passionate about education and this is part of efforts to uplift the educational prospects of youths in my constituency.
“ This step stands as a testament to the potential for positive change when we prioritise access to education for all.
“ I believe education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and initiatives like this contribute to society development and encourage WAEC holders to pursue their educational aspirations and dreams.
“As the recipients of these free JAMB forms embark on their educational journey, they carry with them not only the hopes of their families but also the aspirations of a community that believes in the transformative power of education.”
He urged the beneficiaries to be focused, studious and put in their best as they prepare for the examination to justify this effort.
Meanwhile, Mr Tunde Ajayi, a member of the organising committee saddled with the responsibility of collating the required documents for examination, noted that the gesture provided the opportunity for the less- privileged in the constituency.
According to him, the beneficiaries were selected based on academic merit in their West African Examination Council (WAEC) and financial needs.
One of the beneficiaries, Adefolajuwon Boluwatife, commended the lawmaker for the initiative, saying it will go a long way to ease the burden on some parents who cannot afford the fees for their children.
“ With this step, the issue of out-of-school children will be reduced to the barest minimum, it’s a laudable initiative that others should emulate and do in their constituencies,” he added.
While assuring that efforts will be made to excel in the examination, Boluwatife appealed to Shabi to further support the candidates’ preparation by way of organising coaching classes.
Another beneficiary, Ibidun Ogungbade, who described the lawmaker as a blessing in the area and a lover of education, urged him to continue the goodwill in the constituency.
According to her, the gesture is a big support and will encourage most of them to pursue their dreams and academic endeavours.
“We really thank him and we are also proud of honourable Shabi.’’