In a bid to promote education and support less privileged students, philanthropist Hon. Opeyemi David Falegan has sponsored the registration of 7,000 candidates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ekiti State.
Empowering Disadvantaged Students
The initiative, which aims to ensure easy access to tertiary education for underprivileged students, commenced immediately after a screening exercise. Falegan, speaking from his UK base, emphasized that this effort is his contribution to society, enabling students to pursue their dreams regardless of their financial status.
“Education should be accessible to all, regardless of social standing. This initiative is my way of ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to further their education without financial constraints,” he stated.
Falegan revealed that over 12,000 applicants sought to benefit from the free JAMB registration programme, which he started eight years ago.
Support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
During a telephone interview with journalists in Ado Ekiti, Falegan expressed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a positive step towards national development.
He praised Tinubu’s focus on education, security, agriculture, and economic development, highlighting the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and TETFUND interventions as vital policies aimed at enhancing educational accessibility.
“The government’s education policies, if fully supported, will play a crucial role in empowering Nigerian youths. Stakeholders and citizens alike must join hands in ensuring the success of these programmes,” Falegan noted.
Thorough Screening Process Ensures Credibility
Falegan explained that after all applications were received, a private screening panel was constituted to vet candidates’ credentials. Some applicants were disqualified due to result deficiencies, ensuring that only deserving students benefited from the scheme.
He pledged to sustain the initiative, adding that his goal is to assist parents struggling to fund their children’s education.
Encouraging Beneficiaries to Seize the Opportunity
Falegan urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing that education remains a powerful tool for societal transformation.
“The ODF-Free JAMB initiative is not just about giving out forms; it is about creating opportunities for the youth. I call on other well-meaning individuals to support education initiatives and contribute to their communities,” he said.
Sustained Commitment to Educational Development
In 2024, the ODF Foundation distributed over 5,000 free JAMB forms to deserving students. Falegan reaffirmed his commitment to education, youth empowerment, and development, stating that more students in Ekiti will now have the chance to pursue their academic goals without financial hindrances.
His continuous investment in education and human capital development highlights his dedication to nurturing future leaders and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance at success.