Ogona Anita
In a landmark initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities for Nigeria’s youth, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a new program offering free JAMB registration for 50,000 students from the South East region. This move is designed to support capable and ambitious students who struggle to afford the costs associated with gaining admission into tertiary institutions.
Under the scheme, 50,000 eligible applicants from the five South Eastern states — Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo — will receive full coverage of their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration fees. The policy is expected to ease the financial burden on families and encourage more students to pursue higher education without being hindered by upfront examination costs.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of education in national development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to education for all Nigerians, regardless of economic background or region.
Although full details of the process are yet to be released, qualified students are expected to apply through designated state education channels. Priority may be given to students from low-income backgrounds and underserved communities. Beneficiaries will reportedly be selected through a transparent application and vetting process coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with relevant state authorities. Once selected, their JAMB registration will be completed at no cost.
The rollout is expected to begin immediately, with application timelines and further guidelines to be announced soon.
For many families in the South East, this initiative represents greater access to university, polytechnic, and college education, reduced financial strain, and expanded opportunities for youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Reactions from students and education stakeholders have been largely positive, with many describing the move as timely and impactful. Observers have also urged the government to ensure fairness and transparency in the implementation process.
As the program unfolds, thousands of aspiring students across the South East will be watching closely, hopeful that this initiative will open new doors to academic and professional advancement.
