By Roland Ike, Abakaliki

A total of 1007 applicants in Ebonyi State are now sure of sitting for the 2024 WAEC  and JAMB examinations courtesy of Chief Chinedu Ogah, member of the National Assembly.

Ogah, representing Ikwo/ Ezza South Federal Constituency at House of Representatives, offset the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees of 507 students  and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) fees of 500 students.

Speaking at a ceremony to announce the gesture at the Ikwo High School, Agubia, Ogah said that the cost of the WAEC fees is N13m while that of JAMB fees is N3.8m, totalling N16.8m.

“I started this gesture before I became a legislator and we owe it as a duty to remember those who voted us into power.

“This gesture is a way of complementing the efforts of Governor Francis Nwifuru in revamping education in the state and stepping down the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu in the education sector, at the grassroots.”

He warned principals of affected schools against collecting any other fees from the government and students as he will also provide funds for miscellaneous expenses needed for the examinations.

“We will arrest and prosecute those who violate this instruction because we owe the present administration in the state, support to achieve its people’s charter of needs mandate on education.

“We decided to issue cheques to the examination bodies and not cash to the beneficiaries due to the way such funds had been misued in the past.”

Ogah also gave N454, 800 and N254, 000 to benefiting public and private schools as funds to execute miscellaneous expenses towards the examinations.

The Branch Controller of WAEC in Ebonyi, Mrs Gloria Mgbike confirmed the receipt of N13m and lauded Ogah for the gesture.

“I urge the benefiting candidates to study hard and make Ogah, their parents and schools proud because it is not easy to benefit from such gesture in these hard times.

“This is a gesture worthy of emulation by all as the future of these students are being secured.”

The State Controller of JAMB, Mrs Dorris Enoch said that parents are aware that with the cost of JAMB N7,700, multiplying it by 500 candidates will give over N3 8m.

“The State and society at large would develop more than they are presently if more people do this sort of thing.

“This is the kind of gathering I like to be present as I urge the students to reciprocate the gesture by studying hard and passing brilliantly.”

The Chairman of Ezza South LGA of the state, Mrs Euphemia Nwali thanked Oga for the gesture and prayed God to elevate him higher in life.

“This is the sort of representation we want and not the sort that would focus on disturbing the people.”

Goodwill messages were delivered on the occasion by the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board among others

Master Kenneth Nwankwo, one of the beneficiaries thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and pledged to read and pass his examinations.

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