The Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, has distributed 250 free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to indigent students across the community.

The event, held at the Council Secretariat Hall on Thursday, September 4, 2025, was attended by education stakeholders, parents, community leaders, and jubilant students who expressed excitement over the gesture.

Speaking with Mushines News at the presentation, Hon. Jakande noted that the initiative was part of his administration’s vision to support young people and reduce the financial barriers hindering access to quality education within the community.

“This is a continuous process of our government. The applicants went through a mock exam, just as was done in the previous administration, which gave us the assurance that the candidates are serious and ready to further their education,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Council recently graduated over 600 participants from its Summer ICT Boot Camp and has now unveiled the Council’s Back-to-School program.

“We are introducing our Back-to-School program out of a clear need to ensure that our students have access to education that is practically free. By removing all hindrances that might prevent pupils from attending school, we are providing free educational materials to all primary school pupils in our community to last them the entire session,” he stated.

The kits, which include school bags, textbooks, exercise books, writing materials, and other essentials, were designed to ease the financial burden on parents and adequately prepare children for the new academic session. He noted that the program would be launched before school resumption to ensure parents do not have to purchase these items themselves.

Parents at the event hailed the initiative as a “timely relief,” especially in the face of rising education costs. Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, a mother of three, described the move as “a blessing that will go a long way in lifting the burden on struggling families.”

Community leaders also applauded the chairman’s dedication to education, emphasizing that the gesture will reduce school dropout rates and inspire pupils to take their studies more seriously.