By Chinedu Adonu

Enugu—The South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has sponsored Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration fees for 10,000 students in Enugu State, in a bid to remove financial barriers to tertiary education.

The initiative was formally launched in Enugu by SERHA National Coordinator Belusochukwu Enwere, who described the programme as a strategic investment in the state’s youth.

“Today is not just a ceremony. Today is a movement — a movement of hope and empowerment, declaring that the future of Enugu State will not be limited by financial barriers,” Enwere said.

He noted that many talented students miss opportunities each year due to the inability to pay examination fees, stressing that the intervention aligns with SERHA’s vision of youth inclusion, educational access, and human capital development.

“This programme is not charity; it is strategic empowerment. We are investing directly in 10,000 future doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who will transform Enugu State and Nigeria at large,” Enwere added.

Beneficiaries were urged to prepare diligently for their UTME, with Enwere advising: “This opportunity is both a privilege and a responsibility. Let discipline, determination, and excellence guide you. Do not allow distractions to steal your focus.”

He also reassured parents and guardians that the initiative aims to ease their financial burden while prioritising the future of their children.

The coordinator commended partners, community leaders, and stakeholders who contributed to the programme’s success, emphasizing that it signals the South East’s commitment to educational advancement.

“Let this initiative send a clear message: Enugu State will continue to produce outstanding scholars and leaders. Today we register 10,000 students; tomorrow we celebrate 10,000 success stories,” Enwere said.

The launch was attended by education stakeholders, parents, and students, who lauded the intervention as timely and impactful in expanding access to tertiary education in the state.