Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – In a move to boost access to tertiary education, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area in Lagos distributes 500 free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to indigent students preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled for April.
The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday at the council secretariat, aims to support academically talented but financially disadvantaged students seeking university admission.
Council chairman Hon. Olamilekan Akindipe says the programme removes financial barriers and encourages educational advancement in the community.
“This support has no political, ethnic or religious consideration. Once you reside in Ajeromi-Ifelodun and meet JAMB requirements, you qualify,” Akindipe says.
He emphasises that education remains a catalyst for socio-economic development and insists the council is determined to ensure that no young person in the area is left behind.
In addition to the registration forms, the council pledges a ₦200,000 reward for each beneficiary who secures admission into a Nigerian university.
According to Akindipe, the financial incentive will support successful candidates during their first year in school and ease the burden on their families.
“We do not want financial worries to distract them from their studies,” he adds.
The forms are distributed following a screening exercise conducted by the council to identify eligible students.
Beneficiaries say the programme offers hope to those who might otherwise struggle to afford the examination.
One recipient, Emmanuel Abraham, who hopes to study at Lagos State University, expresses gratitude for the opportunity.
“Now that I have the form, I will work hard to score very high in the UTME and secure admission,” Abraham says.
Education advocates say such interventions by local governments can help increase university participation among low-income students across Nigeria.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
