Two hundred young Nigerians aspiring to join the maritime industry have received free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board registration through the Prince Olawale Cole Maritime Foundation.
The initiative marks the birthday celebration of the foundation's founder, Prince Olawale Cole, who leads the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents at Tin Can Island Port.
Foundation officials described the JAMB sponsorship as part of efforts to expand educational opportunities and build capacity within Nigeria's maritime sector and blue economy.
According to the foundation, the 200 JAMB slots were dedicated as a special gesture to mark the birthday of its founder, Prince Olawale Cole. The initiative, it explained, is open to interested members and aspiring entrants into the maritime sector, forming part of activities lined up to celebrate what it described as a legacy of visionary leadership and service.
The organisation combined its education support with charitable outreach, visiting a motherless babies' home during the birthday celebrations to donate gifts and essential items to children.
The gesture, the foundation noted, reflects its commitment to uplifting the less privileged and extending compassion to vulnerable groups in society.
Representatives of the foundation revealed that the education and charity programmes also honour the leadership of its Tin Can chapter operating around Tin Can Island Port. They explained that the organisation focuses on using targeted interventions to inspire young people and develop skilled professionals for the maritime industry.
They stressed that through initiatives such as the JAMB sponsorship and community outreach, the POC Maritime Foundation is deepening its investment in education, youth empowerment, and social responsibility, while reinforcing its broader mission of service and sectoral development.
The 200 sponsored slots provide crucial assistance as the 2026 UTME registration period approaches its 26th February 2026 deadline, with many Nigerian families struggling to afford examination costs.
This contribution joins growing philanthropic efforts nationwide, where organisations and individuals have stepped forward to fund JAMB registrations for economically disadvantaged students.
Such interventions continue demonstrating the impact of private sector support in reducing barriers to tertiary education and creating pathways for young Nigerians to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
The foundation's dual focus on education and humanitarian service reflects an increasing trend among Nigerian organisations to combine professional development initiatives with broader social responsibility programmes.
