The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), in partnership with the Oluwole Educational Foundation, has paid the National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fees for 345 indigent students across Ilorin Emirate.

The national president of IEDPU, Alhaji AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, disclosed this during a symbolic presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries in Ilorin at the weekend.

Represented by the national vice president of the union, Alhaji AbdulRauf Issa, the president explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the five local government areas that make up Ilorin Emirate.

He stated that 120 secondary schools across the Emirate benefited from the support, while five students were selected from each of the 69 wards in the Emirate.

The IEDPU president advised the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and justify the investment made in their education by securing a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the community.

He appealed to parents and guardians to provide the necessary support and conducive environment to enable the students to excel in the forthcoming NECO examinations and other future academic pursuits.

Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by Dr Sa'adudeen Abdul-Rasheed, commended the initiative and encouraged other well-meaning individuals and groups within Ilorin Emirate to emulate the gesture by supporting indigent students.

Kwara State Coordinator of the National Examinations Council, Donald Adi, described the intervention as a demonstration of IEDPU's commitment to the educational development of Ilorin Emirate.

The ceremony was graced by the Director, North-Central Zone, NECO, Mrs Bridger Ogbuji.