For Dr. Emmanuel Ejiofor Omeje, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, life is not all about how much wealth you acquire but certainly about how far you have been able to touch people’s life, especially indigent one.
After years of looking helplessly on thousands of youths in Nsukka local government area in the state “wasting” as a result of their inability to buy JAMB forms to gain admission into higher institution, Dr. Omeje took the bull by the horns and instituted what is now called FREE JAMB SLOT for indigent candidates in some communities in Nsukka local government area.
However, despite ASUU strike that grounded Universities in Nigeria and threw their lecturers in economic turmoil, the scheme started last year with a big bang.
WITHIN NIGERIA reporter had an Exclusive interview with him where he x-rayed the rationale behind the scheme.
Excerpts
Tell us briefly about yourself?
I am Dr Emmanuel Ejiofor Omeje. A university lecturer, and an agro-consultant. The founder, Dr Ejiofor Omeje Annual Free JAMB registration program.
You are the founder and Director of Annual FREE JAMB SLOT initiative, what prompted your decision to go into this program?
The project started last year where we recorded over 200 candidates.
When I was little, I wrote a letter to my uncle, Mr Boniface Obetta, to request his help when it was time for primary school leaving certificate examination. A week later, he sent me N65. That was the biggest motivation I ever got as little boy.
Therefore, I can say clearly that my primary objective was to motivate our young people and give them the reassurance that education is the best.
Why JAMB, why not WAEC or NECO?
The choice to peg it at JAMB Registration for now, was made out of my desire to guide our young stars right. We don’t just register them, we also interview them, counsel them in choosing best courses for them.
How is the program going so far?
The free registration is smooth and free from encumbrances. Last year, we registered over 200. This year, we are expecting over 600 because I told the committee (my handlers) to extend the offers to other neighbouring communities like Okpaligbo, Obiette, Ibagwa-Agu and Utobolo.
What are the criteria for choosing a candidate?
You must be an indigene of the those 5 autonomous communities (Ibagwa-Ani, Ibagwa-Agu, Okpaligbo, Utobolo, Obiette) in our Electoral Ward.
How has it been like sponsoring these candidates?
It has not been an easy ride. God has always been there. And not without the help of those committee members who work tirelessly coaching and counseling them. Also, last year, two persons from my community saw the number of those who indicated interest and supported the project. The persons of chief Onyekachi Ugwuanyi and Pastor Kenneth Asogwa did their best.
As a civil servant, where have you been getting the financial support for this program?
Well, I make savings from my salary and always keep certain percentage of all my consultancy remittances. Apart from that, I was already doing well in my farm enterprises before I joined the service. In short, I joined the academia due to the passion I have for teaching, not for making money.
Why only these communities, why not the whole of the local government since you have been able sponsor about 600 persons?
Last year, the project covered only one community, Ibagwa-Ani with over 200 candidates . This year, I have expanded it to about 5 communities in my Ward. For the entire LG, I can’t afford it. If God blesses me to that level, I will gladly do it. I just love motivating young people who wish to study further.
How much does it take to sponsor a candidate?
Each candidate’s form cost 4700 and other costs.
How many candidates has the foundation been able to sponsor so far since the inception of the program?
About 270 candidates benefitted last year. We are hoping to hit 600 this year because we have expanded the number of communities from 1 to 5.
If you sponsor a candidate and he/she fails the exam, does the candidate has opportunity to be sponsored again?
Yes, a candidate gets as many chances as he or she can write. We also help to tutor those need assistance. There are other young men in the community that have assisted us in this regard. One of them is Mr Uchenna Ngwu who runs an ICT office. He would bring computers to the village primary school to coach them on how to use computer to answer CBT. Other brilliant champs also come to offer free tutorials on many subjects especially maths, English, chemistry and biology.
How much government support do you have on this program?
No government support of any kind.
Where will you like to see the foundation in the next ten years?
In ten years? Well, I will like to see it mature into a foundation that has produced great people, and capable of training people in the university till PhD level.
As a lecturer in a prestigious university, do you think Nigeria is in a right track as far as education is concerned?
Not really in the right direction. Two things are needed to be urgently. Wipe out corruption in the sector, and fund it adequately.
Do you have any specific course of study/studies for beneficiaries or do you allow them to choose their preferred course?
Every course has equal opportunity.
Do you, Dr. Emmanuel have any political ambition?
For now, I have dropped all my political ambitions. I am just interested in building my career and people around me
Though you are currently not contesting for any political post, if you are in a position to decide what should be done right, what do you suggest should be in education sector in Nigeria?
Two things should be done. Device means to stop corruption and fund the sector adequately.
As a Director of such foundation, what are these candidates telling you as their main challenges in passing their exams?
The greatest of it all is poor secondary schooling. Most of them graduated from nearly half-baked govt secondary school
On a final note, what is your advice to these youths who may have lost hope in Nigerian education sector?
My advice to the youths is that anyone who genuinely want to further education should not give up. Many doors are merely closed but not locked. You can only find out that the door was not locked when you push it.
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