Delta Commissioner, Partners Sponsor NECO Fees For 65 Students
65 Students Benefit from Education Support Initiative
IN a move aimed at strengthening access to education, 65 final-year students of Oginibo Secondary School, Oginibo, Delta State, have had their National Examination Council (NECO) registration fees fully paid through a joint intervention by Izeze Rume Reuben and FOOSTODEY Associates.
The initiative targets students from Oginibo and neighbouring communities, many of whom faced the risk of missing the examination due to financial constraints.
With each candidate’s fee pegged at ₦33,850, the sponsors committed a total of ₦2.2 million to ensure all beneficiaries are registered.
From Centre Closure to Restoration
The development comes after the successful reactivation of the school’s NECO centre, previously deactivated due to unmet requirements.
The matter was flagged in 2025 by Tisha Ejekanshe Matthew, prompting swift intervention by the Commissioner, who engaged the National Examinations Council.
Following an assessment and compliance with required standards, the centre was restored, eliminating the need for students to travel long distances to sit for examinations.
To consolidate the achievement, the sponsors pledged to support the first set of candidates—an assurance now fulfilled.
Students Urged to Maximise Opportunity
Addressing the beneficiaries, Mr. Matthew charged them to justify the investment through dedication and hard work.
He advised the students to adopt disciplined study habits, collaborate academically, and approach their examinations with confidence and determination.
He noted that such support initiatives are designed not only to remove financial barriers but also to inspire academic excellence.
Appreciation and Renewed Hope
Responding on behalf of the school, Principal Evelyn Omejevwe-Ejiofor described the intervention as life-changing.
She stated that several students would have been unable to participate in the examination without the sponsorship, adding that the gesture has rekindled hope among parents and students alike.
The principal also acknowledged the Commissioner’s broader contributions to the school, particularly his support for community teachers.
Teacher Shortage Remains a Major Concern
While commending the initiative, the school management highlighted persistent structural challenges affecting education delivery in the area.
Mrs. Omejevwe-Ejiofor called attention to the acute shortage of qualified teachers, especially in core science and commercial subjects.
She revealed that the school depends heavily on locally engaged teachers and currently has only one Physics teacher, raising concerns about the quality of instruction.
The principal urged the state government to prioritise teacher recruitment and address infrastructural gaps to sustain academic progress.
Community Applauds Intervention
Community members and stakeholders have lauded the sponsorship as a meaningful investment in the future of local students.
Education advocates note that such interventions are critical in bridging gaps faced by rural schools, particularly in examination access and academic preparedness.
They, however, stress that long-term solutions must include improved funding, staffing, and policy attention to grassroots education.
As the students prepare to sit for their examinations, the intervention stands as both a relief measure and a reminder of the broader work needed to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.
