Group subsidises exam fees in Imo

The Progressives of the Unique 1988 Set of the Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association have called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to improve Nigeria’s education sector.

The old students made the call on Friday during the unveiling of a renovated five-classroom block at their alma mater in Owerri, Imo State.

The set also paid examination fees for several financially disadvantaged students at the institution.

Government officials, school administrators, teachers, and students attended the official handover ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the 1988 set, Mr Obii Madumere urged the students to protect the renovated facilities against vandalism.

Madumere said the intervention formed part of the group’s commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped their lives.

He disclosed that the set paid National Examinations Council examination fees for financially disadvantaged Junior Secondary School III students to ensure no child was denied academic opportunities due to financial constraints.

He added that the group also cleared the West African Examinations Council centre revalidation fees to support the school’s examination readiness.

Madumere noted that the impact of the intervention should be measured by the quality of lives and futures shaped within the facilities rather than merely by their physical appearance.

“Our mission has always been clear: to contribute meaningfully to an environment where the present generation of students can learn, grow, dream and pursue excellence,” Madumere said.

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He emphasized that the commitment of the 1988 set extends beyond structural renovation to holistic, sustainable support for students and teachers.

Also speaking, an alumnus and Imo State Commissioner for Science, Technology, Innovation and Engineering, Ikenna Elezianya, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the institution.

Elezianya noted that the school’s current physical state was a departure from its high standards when he graduated 40 years ago.

“When we left this school many years ago, Emmanuel College was one of the best in the state,” Elezianya said.

He commended the 1988 set for its intervention and urged teachers and students to maintain focus on academic excellence.

The Acting National President of the Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association, Sir George Nwachukwu, and the Project Lead, Chukwueke Junai, also commended the set for funding the project.

Nwachukwu called for greater collaboration among alumni and friends of the college to restore the institution to its former glory.

He urged the students to remain dedicated, humble, and hardworking in pursuit of their goals.

Junai assured the school management that the group would extend its renovation efforts to the teachers’ block.

“The Progressives of the Unique 1988 Set are committed to giving the school a facelift to enable the students to learn in a conducive learning environment,” Junai said.