Aguocha launches Educational Support Program, says students’ enrollment overwhelming

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has expressed surprise over the overwhelming number of students who enrolled for his Educational Support Program.

The initiative, aimed at easing the burden of school-related expenses for indigent students, witnessed an unexpected surge in enrollment, prompting the federal lawmaker to describe the turnout as a “wake-up call” to the realities of the educational needs in his constituency.

Speaking to Newsmen, Aguocha said he was deeply moved by the sheer volume of applicants, most of whom came from underprivileged backgrounds.

“What we saw was not just an endorsement of the program but a loud cry from our young people for help. The turnout far exceeded our projections, and it is a clear message that more urgent and strategic intervention is needed in the education sector and we must continue to increase our support,” he said.

The Educational Support Program was initially designed to benefit a limited number of students across the federal constituency. However, the demand has already tripled, forcing the committee to consider immediate expansion plans to accommodate more beneficiaries.

Hon. Aguocha emphasized that the experience had opened his eyes to the vast educational disparity in the area.
“We can no longer afford to pretend all is well. Many of our children are on the brink of dropping out due to lack of support, and if we don’t act fast, we will lose a generation to ignorance and poverty,” he warned, calling on both government and private stakeholders to support grassroots educational initiatives.

He also used the opportunity to commend the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for his bold move in declaring free education across public primary and secondary schools in the state. Describing it as a “timely and visionary policy,” Hon. Aguocha said the governor’s initiative laid a strong foundation for other complementary programs such as his.

“Gov Alex Otti’s free education policy is a blessing to every parent in Abia State. The people are eager to learn; what they lack is the means, and with this kind of leadership, we can bridge that gap,” Aguocha noted.

He concluded by pledging to liaise with relevant government agencies and private donors to scale up the program.
“This is only the beginning. I have already seen firsthand what needs to be done, and I am committed to ensuring that no child in Ikwuano/Umuahia is left behind due to financial limitations,” he assured.