By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has launched the free registration of 50,000 students across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State under its “Free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board scholarship” programme for the 2026 examination, marking one of the region’s largest education-support interventions.
The exercise formally commenced on Sunday, 22 February, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall, Awka Road, Onitsha, where SERHA’s National Coordinator, Belusochukwu Enwere, outlined the scope, rationale, and expected impact of the initiative.
He explained that the intervention forms part of a broader educational support scheme targeting 50,000 students across the South East geopolitical zone, aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and easing financial pressures on families.
The registration drive, which has already attracted strong participation from students and stakeholders, further highlights growing institutional efforts to bridge educational gaps and promote academic opportunities within the South East.
Addressing participants, Enwere said the sponsorship reflects President Bola Tinibu’s confidence in the potential of Nigerian youths and his administration’s commitment to equal access to higher education.
He noted that the programme also aligns with a long-term vision of fostering a knowledge-driven and economically vibrant South East.
According to him, the scholarship scheme is specifically designed to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians while creating opportunities for indigent but academically qualified candidates.
He stressed that the initiative goes beyond examination registration, framing it as a strategic investment in human capital development.
“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude to God and deep commitment to the future of our young people as we officially commence the 50,000 Free JAMB Scholarship/Registration for Anambra State students,” Enwere declared.
He continued, “Today is not just about examination registration. It is about unlocking opportunities. It is about removing barriers. It is about investing deliberately in the intellectual capital of Anambra State.”
Reaffirming SERHA’s broader objectives, Enwere stated that the programme underscores the organisation’s dedication to youth empowerment and educational advancement across the South East.
“We are proud that this initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and educational advancement across the South East,” he said.
Emphasising the practical significance of the intervention, he added, “Renewed Hope must not remain a slogan; it must translate into real interventions that positively impact families and communities.”
Enwere, however, reminded beneficiaries of their responsibilities, urging them to approach the opportunity with seriousness and discipline.
“To our dear students, this scholarship is a responsibility. It is a vote of confidence in your potential. We expect you to prepare diligently, remain focused, and strive for excellence. Let your results reflect Mr President’s investment made in you today,” he advised.
Earlier, the SERHA Coordinator in Anambra State, Alphonsus Muonagolu, expressed optimism about the programme’s reach and effectiveness.
He voiced confidence that students drawn from all 21 local government areas of the state would benefit from the intervention, describing the exercise as a significant boost to educational access in Anambra.
