Boost for Education: 600 Students Benefit from Ibori-Suenu’s Free JAMB, Scholarship Initiative

By GABRIEL CHOBA

For over ten years, the dream of higher education for countless young Nigerians in Ethiope Federal Constituency has been kept alive and amplified through the unwavering commitment of Hon. Mrs. Erhiatake Ibori Suenu.

What began as a compassionate response to the financial barriers facing students has evolved into a comprehensive educational movement, impacting over 600 beneficiaries annually and now incorporating a merit-based scholarship scheme to reward academic excellence.

The Free JAMB Registration Programme, sponsored by Hon. Erhiatake Ibori Suenu, has become a cornerstone of educational support in Ethiope Federal Constituency. By covering the costs of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for over 600 students this year, the initiative directly addresses one of the most significant hurdles to university admission: financial constraint.

This year, registration centers across Oghara, Mosogar, Jesse, Eku, Abraka, and Isiokoro witnessed an overwhelming turnout of over 600 students, reflecting the community’s deep trust in the program and its founder.

For many families, the expense of JAMB registration can derail academic aspirations. The initiative not only alleviates this burden but also instills hope.

At one center, an 18-year-old candidate, her voice tinged with emotion, shared how the program gave her a “second chance” to pursue a degree in medicine, a dream she had nearly abandoned due to financial difficulties. Parents and guardians echoed this sentiment, praising Hon. Erhiatake for providing “more than aid, a lifeline.”

Under the watchful eye of Dr. Ofa Henry, Director of Media for the Ibori Suenu Grassroots Network (ISGN), the registration process was conducted with meticulous transparency and order. Coordinators, including Raph Chico, John Oberhonde, Prince Omajuwa, Victory Akosiewhe, Ese Peter, Pst Sunday Okukushi, and Omoniyi Freedom, ensured fairness and efficiency across all centers.

ISGN Chairman Chief Majemete Andrew commended their dedication, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering unbiased opportunities for every student.

In a groundbreaking expansion of the initiative, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori Suenu has introduced a merit-based scholarship component. Four students from the constituency who score 300 and above in the JAMB examination will receive full scholarships, transforming the program from one of access to one that champions excellence.

This move has been hailed by education stakeholders as a “visionary investment in intellectual capital,” encouraging students to aim higher and strive for distinction.

Beyond JAMB registration, Hon. Erhiatake’s broader educational interventions, including the distribution of learning materials and academic resources, demonstrate a holistic approach to youth development. As the 2026 registration cycle concludes, plans are already underway to expand the initiative, ensuring even more students can benefit in the years ahead.

The closing moments of this year’s exercise were filled with heartfelt gratitude. Parents and beneficiaries offered prayers for Hon. Erhiatake, asking for “wisdom, strength, and greater capacity” to continue her work. Many pledged their unwavering support for her future political endeavors, affirming that “leadership is best measured by tangible impact.”

In a nation where education remains a critical driver of social mobility, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori Suenu’s Free JAMB Initiative stands as a powerful example of responsive, impactful leadership.

By removing financial barriers and rewarding academic excellence, the program not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens the very fabric of the Ethiope community. As one beneficiary aptly put it, “This is more than a program, it’s a promise kept.”