By Chukwudum Ebele
A group under the aegis of National Association of Seadogs, Onitsha Chapter, Anambra State has given out free JAMB forms to 30 students from Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Ogbaru Local Government Areas of Anambra State.
President of the Association, Engr Emeka Uwaechia who disclosed this while presenting the forms to the beneficiaries, said the gesture was in commemoration of the International day for Education.
He said students selected after undergoing screening by three coordinators from the council areas, adding that the body spent N231,000 to secure the forms for the candidates at the cost of N7,700.
He said, "We decided to purchase JAMB forms for the students because we noticed that most youths of today spent 60 percent of their time in football betting houses.
"This trend is worrisome as it will deviate their minds from education. Securing the forms for them will not only occupy them with preparatory classes pending when they will write the exam, but will shift their attention from crimes.
"All the selected candidates have not registered JAMB exam before and possessed a minimum of 6 Credits including English and Mathematics."
While charging the beneficiaries to be serious with their studies, Uwaechia challenged them to take advantage of the privilege of being educated to foaster peace where ever they found themselves.
A guidance and counseling expert, Mrs Adaeze Emeter, advised the students to choose careers that would give them joy rather than the perceived financial gains.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Onyedoka Achebe thanked the benefactor for the wonderful assistance, promising to do well in the forthcoming examination.