The distribution of 300 free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms by Mushin Local Government to indigent students has sparked excitement and heartfelt appreciation among beneficiaries and their parents, who gathered at the Council Secretariat Hall on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 for the annual free GCE forms to indigent students. They described the initiative as a life-changing intervention.

The Council Chairman, Hon. Tunbosun Haruna Aruwe, explained that the gesture was aimed at supporting indigent students whose financial challenges had threatened their academic progress.

For many students, the cost of purchasing the examination form had been a major setback. Their dreams of sitting for the crucial exams have now been revived through this intervention.

Master Adegboyega Muhaz, a secondary school leaver, expressed joy and relief. “I have been worried about how to raise money for the GCE form, but today I can boldly say my future has been secured by this opportunity. I sincerely thank our Chairman and pray for more strength and wisdom for him.”

Another beneficiary, Miss Muminat Babatunde, also shared how the support lifted a huge burden off her parents. “My parents were already struggling to pay my younger siblings’ school fees. This free GCE form is a huge relief for my family. I thank the council for remembering students like us in Mushin.”

Parents in attendance echoed similar sentiments. Mrs. Shola Adedayo, speaking on behalf of parents, commended the Council Chairman’s commitment to education. She explained how the intervention spared her the stress of raising money for her son’s GCE form and prayed for the Chairman’s continued success.

The Leader of the Legislative Arm of Mushin LGA and Councillor representing Ward B, Papa Ajao, Hon. Dele Abioye, also lauded the initiative, describing the Chairman as a workaholic. He noted that the council was still distributing back-to-school kits, further demonstrating its commitment to education. He urged the students to make the Chairman proud by passing the exams with flying colours so that he would be encouraged to do even more for them.

In his address, Aruwe reassured the community of his administration’s unwavering focus on education, promising that beneficiaries who perform excellently in the GCE would be given priority when the council begins distributing free UTME (JAMB) forms.

“Education remains the greatest legacy we can give our children. I urge all students to be disciplined in their studies and make the best use of this opportunity to make Mushin proud,” he said.

Highlighting his administration’s interventions in education since assuming office, the Chairman noted that his government had organised holiday coaching for students and provided back-to-school kits for pupils across all 50 primary schools in Mushin. He further promised more impactful programmes to strengthen education within the community.

With excitement and gratitude, the beneficiaries vowed to excel in their forthcoming examinations as a way of giving back to the community that has invested in their future.