By Esther Onyegbula

Chairman,  Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos ,  Barr. Moyosore Ogunlewe, has  procured 150 General Certificate Examination ,GCE forms to indigent  Senior Secondary School 3 students in the area , as part of incentives for  his educational support initiative.

Distribution of the forms began  on Tuesday and Wednesday, at the local government secretariat in Ogudu, with a screening process  to allow only eligible beneficiaries.

Vanguard observed that the beneficiaries were drawn from all ethnic groups in the area ,without gender sentiments.

In an interview with journalists, Ogunlewe described the  gesture as  part of the local government’s educational support programme for younger students within the constituency.

He disclosed that apart from the free GCE forms, the local government also distributed 1000 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB forms to students within his constituency last year.

He further explained that the educational support programme was aimed to give opportunity to every student that is willing to learn.

 He said, “ Education is key and the only way you can give that to the  people is to give opportunity  to  everyone willing to study  and make sure they are well educated and  that’s what we’re doing. We also gave out 1,000 free JAMB forms for students within the constituency last year.”

He informed that the educational support  initiative  was an annual project, disclosing that the maiden edition was held  last year. He however, clarified that the distribution was restricted to only students under Kosofe LGA.

Highlighting the  criteria to benefit from the support , Ogunlewe, said, “prospective beneficiaries must have the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, LASRRA, they  must also be eligible to write exams and most importantly,  must live within Kosefe LGA. As long as you live within this L.G.A, you have an opportunity to gain a free GCE form, as long as you meet the criteria “.

While encouraging the students to take advantage of the opportunity, he urged them to read and work hard , if they must come out with good results.

The two-day screening exercise had three officials comprising seasoned educationists  who painstakingly went  through the credentials of the prospective beneficiaries to ensure only those who met  the requirements were selected.

 While the  beneficiaries sat patiently waiting for their turn to present photocopies of their credentials which included: recent academic results , parents voters’ cards, LASRRA,  identity cards and  passport photographs, some of them who spoke with Vanguard,  expressed gratitude to the local government boss for the support.

Some of them said they had no hope of buying the form which was over N20,000.

LG boss receives award

The high point of the educational system support witnessed the presentation of an award to the local government boss,  for his outstanding performance in education and infrastructure development, by Sohcahtoa foundation.

The award, according to the CEO Sohcahtoa Foundation, Mr. Oluwaseyi Fayemi , “ is  to appreciate the Chairman’s outstanding performances, contributions, and impact on education and infrastructural development in the community which has  endeared him to the people of the local government.”

Receiving the award,  Ogunlewe   expressed gratitude  and also pledged  to continue to add value as well as  impact the lives of his people.