By Magnus Aluma
By Magnus Aluma
A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Mr. Tochukwu Ogalagu, has paid the sum of N66.5 million for the registration of 1,900 indigent students for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE.
The program, which was officially flagged off early this week at the Practicing School, Ezzamgbo, was undertaken through his pet project “Zelunjo Empowerment Foundation.*
The event attracted stakeholders in the education sector including, school administrators, parents, students, women groups, market associations community leaders and supporters from across the federal constituency.
In his address at the event, Mr. Ogalagu said the initiative was aimed at securing the future of young people, particularly those from less privileged families who might be unable to afford to register for the examination.
He noted that the intervention was part of the commitments of the Foundation to promoting education, adding that the Foundation aims to reduce the financial burden on families, and create opportunities for youths to realise their academic aspirations.
Ogalagu observed that the event was an annual programme, which was designed by the Foundation to support education, pointing out that this year, the number of beneficiaries was increased to 1,900 to accommodate more candidates.
“We will continue to support humanity and assist families who cannot afford the cost of education for their children.
“These students are the leaders of tomorrow and deserve every opportunity to succeed.
“If you secure the future of our youths, the future of Ebonyi State and that of generations yet unborn is equally secured.
“Education remains one of the most effective tools for societal transformation and sustainable development,” he added.
The APGA chieftain wished the beneficiaries success in their forthcoming examinations and urged them to utilise the opportunity well, for them to achieve academic excellence.
The House of Reps hopeful further said, “sustained investment in education would help address youth restiveness and other social vices while positioning the state for greater academic and economic advancement.
Ebonyi State Branch Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mrs Gloria Mgbike who received a cheque on behalf of the beneficiaries commended Mr. Ogalagu, and the Foundation for the gesture, adding that it was a remarkable investment in the future of the young people.
Her words: “the sponsorship had provided hope for hundreds of students who might otherwise have been unable to participate in the examination due to financial constraints.”
“This gesture has given hope to our young people. We are indeed happy to know that there are still well-meaning Nigerians like Barrister Ogalagu and we wish him well in his future political ambition.”
Also speaking, a former Commissioner Commissioner for Education in Ebonyi State, Chief Chibueze Agbo said the initiative was unprecedented.
He disclosed that when logistics and other support provided to participating schools were added to the examination fees, the total expenditure exceeded ₦70 million.
“This is quite unprecedented, he said,”
Ogalagu spent over ₦70 million. All the schools received logistics support before now.
“We ask God to continue to empower our son. He has a large heart and has continued to touch lives through education, job creation and other humanitarian interventions.”
Other stakeholders in the education sector, including Pioneer Registrar of the Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, Enugu State, Mrs Grace Ezeali; the Principal of St Michael’s Secondary School, Ezzamgbo, Mr Jacob Onwe; the Principal of Anglican Transfiguration College, Umuogudu Oshia, Mgbo, Dr Obinna Awoke; and Dean of Stella Maris College, Nkaliki, Mr Israel Mbam commended the initiative.
They observed that the sponsorship was one of the largest privately funded educational interventions in Ebonyi State and urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture through hard work, and discipline.
Some of the beneficiaries,
including; Miss Chinemerem Edeh, and Miss Gift Nworie, expressed gratitude with the Foundation, for finding them worthy of benefiting from the gesture.
They students said the intervention has given them opportunities to pursue thier academic careers, despite enormous financial challenges in their families.
Leave a Reply