The lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, says the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has significantly enhanced the impact of his annual free General Certificate Examination (GCE) form distribution programme by making university education more accessible to successful candidates.
Speaking at the launch of the 14th edition of the initiative, where he distributed 500 free GCE registration forms to beneficiaries, Yishawu said the combination of the programme and NELFUND now offers candidates a clearer pathway from obtaining the required O’Level qualifications to accessing tertiary education.
He explained that while the free GCE scheme helps candidates secure the O’Level results needed for admission, NELFUND provides financial support through tuition loans and upkeep allowances, removing one of the biggest barriers to university education.
According to him, the programme was introduced more than a decade ago to assist individuals who either did not obtain the required credits in previous examinations or needed additional subjects to pursue new academic or career goals.
Yishawu noted that the initiative has grown steadily from 100 beneficiaries at inception to 200, 300 and now 500 beneficiaries in its 14th edition, adding that the programme would have recorded more editions but for the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the free GCE scheme complements other educational interventions he sponsors, including the annual distribution of free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms, to expand access to higher education for young people in the constituency.
To improve candidates’ chances of success, the lawmaker announced that beneficiaries would also receive free revision classes and computer-based test (CBT) training.
He explained that many applicants had been out of school for several years and required academic support, while others needed practical exposure to the CBT format now used for the examination.
Yishawu also revealed plans to introduce an award for the best-performing GCE candidate, similar to the recognition already given to outstanding UTME candidates, following a suggestion made during the programme.
Giving an update on the initiative, he disclosed that more than 4,000 GCE forms had been distributed since the programme began, with the latest batch bringing the total number of beneficiaries to nearly 4,500.
He stressed that the programme is open to all eligible residents of Eti-Osa Constituency II, irrespective of age, noting that minors must register through their parents or guardians.
Yishawu dismissed claims that people do not appreciate free educational support, insisting that beneficiaries value the opportunity and remain committed to making good use of it.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative.
One beneficiary, who already holds a university degree, said she applied for the free GCE form because she intends to study Law but lacks the required O’Level subjects, including Literature in English and Christian Religious Knowledge.
Another beneficiary, Aisha, said the free registration would reduce the financial burden on her parents and motivate her to continue her education.
A master’s degree holder, Chukwunonso Dickson, also benefited from the programme, saying he needed additional O’Level subjects to pursue another academic programme.
He described the initiative as a rare opportunity that saved him the cost of purchasing the examination form.
The beneficiaries pledged to maximise the opportunity by excelling in the examination and pursuing their higher education ambitions.
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