By Mark Anieche
The Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dr. Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, on Monday reinforced his administration’s commitment to expanding access to education by presenting free General Certificate Examination (GCE) registration forms to 500 indigent students across the council.
The presentation, held at the Legislative Hall of the council secretariat, marked the fifth consecutive edition of the initiative under the OKE EDU programme, launched in 2021 to eliminate financial barriers preventing disadvantaged students from pursuing higher education.
Speaking at the event, Okeowo urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies, stressing that the opportunity should serve as a stepping stone to higher education.
“We are here because of you. When you gain admission into higher institutions, this administration will also support you through bursary awards. But the starting point is to pass your GCE and JAMB examinations. I therefore urge you to work hard and excel,” he said.
The council chairman stated that the initiative was conceived to ensure that no talented student is denied the opportunity to pursue academic advancement due to financial constraints.
According to him, the council remains committed to removing barriers to education through interventions such as free GCE and JAMB forms, bursary awards, and other educational support programmes.
“The OKE EDU Initiative is our way of investing in the future. By removing financial barriers to GCE, JAMB, and other educational opportunities, we are sending a clear message to our children that their dreams are valid and that this administration stands firmly behind them,” Okeowo said.
Drawing on his personal background, the chairman encouraged the students not to let their circumstances define their future.
“I come from a very humble background. My mother sold blended corn (tuwo) to train us. Through determination, hard work, and God’s grace, I was able to attain this position today. Your background is not your barrier; your commitment and seriousness will determine how far you go,” he said.
Okeowo also pledged that the council would continue to support outstanding students through bursary awards at the tertiary level, while urging the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of Ifelodun LCDA by excelling in their examinations.
He noted that the success recorded by previous beneficiaries demonstrates the impact of the programme and justifies its continued implementation.
Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Hon. Ajibola Ojora Adejiyan, commended the council chairman for sustaining the annual intervention over the past five years.
Describing the programme as “a legacy investment in human capital development,” Adejiyan urged the students to justify the confidence reposed in them by studying diligently and achieving excellent results.
“The government has done its part by providing the examination forms. The responsibility now rests with you to prepare adequately and make your families and Ifelodun LCDA proud,” he said.
The free GCE forms scheme is one of several educational interventions under the OKE EDU Initiative. Others include the annual distribution of free JAMB forms to Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students, bursary awards for indigent tertiary institution students, provision of educational materials to public primary schools, renovation of classrooms, and other programmes aimed at improving learning outcomes.
According to the council, more than 2,000 GCE forms and 2,500 JAMB forms have been distributed since 2021, while over 1,200 indigent students in tertiary institutions have benefited from bursary awards under the initiative.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders who attended the presentation commended the council for sustaining the programme, describing it as a timely intervention that has eased the financial burden on many families and expanded educational opportunities for young people in the council area.
Okeowo reaffirmed that education would remain a priority of his administration, pledging to introduce additional interventions before the end of his tenure to ensure that no child is denied access to quality education because of financial hardship.
Photo Credit: Information Dept, Ifelodun LCDA
