Jamiu Ogundele, Senior Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, has sponsored the National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fees of 75 outstanding students across Yewa North and Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in Ogun State as part of efforts to promote educational development and support indigent families.
The beneficiaries were drawn from 25 secondary schools across the constituency, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Zonal Information Officer, Mr. Lateef Akintunde.
The statement explained that the initiative targeted academically outstanding students, with the top three students selected from each of the participating schools.
Ten senior secondary schools from Yewa North Local Government Area and 15 schools from Imeko-Afon Local Government Area benefited from the educational intervention.
Speaking on the initiative, Ogundele described education as a vital tool for societal growth, national development and long-term economic progress.
He noted that the sponsorship programme was introduced to ease the financial pressure on parents and guardians while encouraging students to remain committed to academic excellence.
“Education remains one of the strongest foundations for building a better society. This initiative is aimed at encouraging our young people to remain committed to their studies and to assure them that hard work and excellence will always be rewarded,” he said.
Ogundele also stressed the importance of community participation in supporting government efforts to improve access to education and youth development.
“We equally know that the government can’t do everything, so we all as stakeholders must always be ready to do our bit to support and complement the untiring efforts of the government to further expand access to education in the state,” he added.
The governor’s aide explained that the intervention aligns with the grassroots developmental vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, particularly in the area of educational empowerment and human capital development.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain disciplined, focused and determined in their academic pursuits, describing the gesture as an investment in the future of the constituency.
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“This is not just about paying examination fees; it is about investing in the future of our communities and empowering the next generation to achieve greatness,” Ogundele stated.
The initiative has attracted commendation from parents, education stakeholders, community leaders and residents, many of whom described the gesture as timely, impactful and beneficial amid prevailing economic challenges affecting many households.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Ruqoyah Adefunke Adebiyi of Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, expressed appreciation for the support, saying the intervention had inspired many students to work harder academically.
“We are grateful for this support and encouragement. This gesture has given many of us hope and motivation to do better in our academic pursuits,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Miss Suliat Kehinde Sikiru of Nazareth High School, Imeko, also appreciated the initiative and prayed for greater accomplishments for Ogundele in his public service career.
The development comes amid growing calls for increased private and community-driven support for education in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where many families continue to struggle with rising educational costs.