By Ejiofor Toochi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
The Ikeja Local Government, under the leadership of Akeem Olalekan Dauda, on Tuesday, February 24, distributed 500 free JAMB forms to support youths seeking higher education.
Speaking on behalf of the chairman at the distribution, the Vice Chairman, Abisola Omisore, said education remains a central pillar of the administration’s development agenda. “Education remains a central pillar of this agenda because we firmly believe that the future of Ikeja lies in the strength, capacity and preparedness of our children,” he said.
He explained that under the Ikeja AGENDA, the letter “E” represents Education, which guides the council’s commitment to prioritising young people. “The youths are the pillar of society, so we find it fit to invest in their future,” he added.
Omisore urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity. “Let this support serve as a stepping stone to excellence and greater accomplishments. Your success will justify and sustain this initiative for other generations to come.”
The screening, held on February 12 and 13 at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, covered beneficiaries from all six wards in the council area.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the council and pledged to make good use of the opportunity. One of them, Ogunyemi Eniola Daniel, thanked the Chairman, Akeem Olalekan Dauda, for the initiative. “I want to say a very big thank you to him because he has really tried. I’ve been part of many things he has done. I plan to do excellently well in JAMB,” he said.
Recently, several local governments and lawmakers in Lagos have embarked on similar initiatives, highlighting a growing trend to promote access to higher education. For instance, Desmond Olushola Elliott distributed 200 free JAMB forms to students in Surulere, while Ikorodu North LCDA provided 500 forms to indigent students in its area.
The distribution of free JAMB forms helps remove financial barriers for low-income students, offering relief to families and encouraging wider participation in tertiary education. However, while impactful in the short term, its long-term effect will depend on sustained educational support beyond just covering the registration fees.
The Vice Chairman, Abisola Omisore, also hinted at possible future support at the tertiary level. “Hopefully, there should be a scholarship. It’s been our tradition to support the younger ones, and in due course, there’ll be a measure for that,” he said.
