Education

Constituents Hail Ondo Lawmaker Over 1,000 Free UTME Forms

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 20th, 2026.

Constituents Hail Ondo Lawmaker Over 1,000 Free UTME Forms

Residents across several communities in Ondo State have commended a member of the state House of Assembly for sponsoring more than 1,000 free registration forms for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a move widely described as a lifeline for students from low-income families.

The beneficiaries, drawn from different wards within the constituency, received support to register for the examination conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). For many parents grappling with economic hardship, the intervention has eased the financial burden associated with securing higher education opportunities for their children.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, community leaders praised the lawmaker for prioritizing education at a time when many households are struggling to make ends meet. They noted that beyond political representation, the gesture demonstrates a commitment to investing in the future of the constituency.

“This is not just about forms; it is about giving our children hope,” said a traditional ruler from one of the benefiting communities. “When a young person is supported to sit for UTME, it opens the door to university, polytechnic, or college of education admission. That opportunity can change an entire family’s story.”

Parents of beneficiaries also expressed gratitude, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. Some explained that they had considered postponing their children’s registration due to financial constraints before news of the free forms emerged.

One beneficiary, a secondary school leaver aspiring to study engineering, said the assistance renewed his determination to pursue his academic dreams. “My parents were worried about how to pay for the registration. When I heard about the free form, I felt relieved. Now I can focus fully on preparing for the exam,” he said.

Education stakeholders within the constituency observed that such interventions help reduce dropout rates and discourage youth restiveness. According to them, access to education remains one of the most effective tools for combating poverty and unemployment.

In his remarks, the lawmaker explained that the initiative forms part of a broader education support programme designed to promote academic excellence and equal opportunity. He emphasized that no qualified student should be denied the chance to sit for UTME due to lack of funds.

He further assured constituents that the programme would not be a one-off gesture but part of sustained efforts to uplift young people through scholarships, mentorship schemes, and learning materials.

Observers believe the gesture has strengthened the bond between the lawmaker and his constituents, who see the intervention as a practical demonstration of responsive leadership. As the UTME registration season progresses, many families in the constituency are hopeful that the support will translate into higher admission rates into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

For hundreds of students now preparing for the examination, the free forms represent more than financial assistance—they symbolize encouragement, opportunity, and a renewed belief in their academic future.