Ten thousand students in Enugu State now have their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board registration costs covered following the launch of a free registration programme in the state.
The South East Renewed Hope Agenda unveiled the initiative during a ceremony in Enugu, with each beneficiary receiving ₦8,500 to cover the complete cost of registration for the 2026 JAMB examination.
Belusochukwu Enwere, National Coordinator of SERHA, explained that the programme seeks to remove financial barriers preventing qualified students from accessing tertiary education opportunities.
“The programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, among other things, prioritises youth empowerment, education reform, and inclusive national development,” Enwere stated.
The National Coordinator emphasised that the intervention extends beyond examination registration, representing instead a strategic investment in preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to state and national development.
“This programme is not charity; it is strategic empowerment. When we educate our youth, we secure our economy. When we empower our students, we strengthen our nation,” Enwere declared.
He referenced broader federal reforms in the education sector, citing efforts to stabilise relations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as complementary measures to expand access to higher education.
Enwere challenged beneficiaries to justify the investment by preparing diligently for the examination, urging parents and guardians to continue supporting their children’s academic pursuits.
The Enugu launch follows a similar exercise held in Ebonyi State earlier this week, where 10,000 students received identical support during a ceremony in Abakaliki on Tuesday.
The initiative forms part of a comprehensive programme targeting 50,000 students across the Southeast geopolitical zone, with each of the five states receiving allocations of 10,000 registration slots. The remaining states of Abia, Anambra, and Imo are expected to host their distribution ceremonies in the coming days.
With the 2026 UTME registration deadline set for 26th February 2026, the intervention provides timely relief for families struggling with examination costs. JAMB has repeatedly emphasised that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances, making early registration crucial for all candidates.
The programme represents one of the largest single education support initiatives in Enugu State in recent times, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to reducing financial barriers to tertiary education.
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Ola Funmilayo
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