The South East Renewed Hope Agenda has distributed free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board registration slots to 10,000 students across all 17 local government areas in Abia State during a ceremony held in Umuahia.
The Abia distribution forms part of SERHA's broader 50,000 student scholarship spanning all five South East states, with similar programmes being executed in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Anambra
Belusochukwu Enwere, National Coordinator of SERHA, positioned the initiative as one of the largest private education support interventions in Abia State's recent history, targeting students whose financial situations might otherwise prevent them from sitting the UTME.
Enwere stressed that education remains the most powerful tool for transformation and societal development, describing the scholarship as a strategic investment designed to break financial barriers blocking young people from accessing higher education opportunities.
"Today is not just about registration. It is about hope, opportunity, and investing in the future of Abia State," Enwere stated during the launch, explaining that the programme aims to reduce burdens on parents and guardians whilst encouraging academic excellence throughout the state.
He rejected characterisations of the initiative as typical political activity, insisting it demonstrates purposeful leadership reflecting SERHA's confidence in the intellectual capacity of Abia youths.
The National Coordinator connected the scholarship to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, framing the support as a vote of confidence in the beneficiaries' potential and their future contributions to Nigerian society.
Enwere challenged students to justify the opportunity through discipline, hard work, and dedication to their studies, establishing clear expectations for commitment and excellence from beneficiaries.
"As we sponsor your JAMB registration, we expect commitment and excellence. Make Abia proud. Make Nigeria proud," Enwere charged the students.
He acknowledged sacrifices made by parents and guardians, assuring them that the scholarship complements their efforts in securing brighter futures for their children rather than replacing parental responsibility.
Enwere thanked stakeholders and partners whose contributions enabled the initiative's success, expressing optimism about expanding the programme in the coming years to accommodate more students across the state.
The National Coordinator urged beneficiaries to prepare thoroughly for the examination, emphasising that success results from preparation and perseverance rather than luck or chance.
Students, parents, and education stakeholders who attended the launch described the initiative as timely relief given the current economic challenges confronting Nigerian families attempting to fund their children's education.
