A non-governmental organization, the Onono Onimisi Foundation (OOF), has sponsored the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration for underprivileged students across Kogi State’s three senatorial zones, aiming to support their access to higher education.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, the founder of the foundation, Onono Onimisi Rafatu, emphasized that the initiative is geared towards bridging the educational gap in underserved communities by providing disadvantaged youths with the opportunity to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
A Mission to Empower the Less Privileged
Onono, a student at Bayero University Kano’s Faculty of Education, revealed that her motivation stemmed from witnessing the struggles of many young people in Kogi State who lack access to education due to financial difficulties.
“My aspirations arise from the unfortunate reality that numerous Kogites are deprived of basic access to education due to financial constraints,” she said.
She further explained that her personal experience serves as proof that determination and divine intervention can help students succeed despite financial hardships.
Selection Process and Additional Support
Onono stated that the selection process was based on academic qualifications, including WAEC results, school certificates, and attestations.
Beyond covering JAMB registration costs, the foundation is also providing study materials in PDF format, including past questions, to help beneficiaries prepare effectively for the examination.
“The primary objective of the foundation is to champion the cause of education. It would be a source of immense joy if other organizations or government bodies could extend their support to ensure that the number of educated individuals in Kogi State continues to grow,” she said.
Challenges and Call for Support
Despite the success of the initiative, Onono acknowledged the financial constraints and unfulfilled promises from potential donors that have limited the foundation’s ability to reach more students.
“The foundation is still in its infancy. Our initial goal was to fundraise for at least 200 students, but in the end, through divine intervention, we were only able to register 40 students,” she said.
She called on individuals, NGOs, and government agencies to support the initiative through awareness, recommendations, or financial assistance.
“The only feasible way for us to achieve our goals is through the involvement of the general public and key stakeholders who can help us secure funding and grants,” she noted.
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