An entrepreneur from Ikorodu, Lagos State, Prince Segun Shonubi, has identified the need for all privileged Nigerians to prioritise supporting and complementing government investments in youth empowerment, particularly efforts that are aimed at boosting their educational advancement.
Shonubi said that it is not an overstatement that the greatness and development of every nation are tied to investing in the education of its teeming youth population. The entrepreneur, according to a statement on Monday, disclosed this while presenting free Joint Admission and Matriculation Board examination application forms to over 300 indigent students within Ikorodu and its environs.
The initiative, fully financed by the entrepreneur, was designed to ease the financial burden faced by families struggling to afford the cost of registering their children for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The symbolic presentation and coordination of the forms brought together beneficiaries, parents, community stakeholders, youth leaders, and well-wishers, all of whom commended the gesture as timely and impactful. The humanitarian act was said to have ignited an atmosphere filled with gratitude and renewed optimism as students expressed excitement at being given the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial hindrance.
Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Shonubi reiterated his belief in education as a powerful tool for personal transformation and community development. He emphasised that the sponsorship was borne purely out of compassion and a genuine desire to invest in the future of Ikorodu.
Shonubi said that “our young people carry the future of this community in their hands. When financial constraints threaten to limit their dreams, we must step in. This is not just about paying for forms; it is about restoring confidence and keeping hope alive. In many homes, the JAMB registration fee often represents a significant hurdle, one that can delay or completely halt young people’s academic journey; however, with intervention such as this, the barrier is removed, and our young ones are supported to achieve their educational pursuits.”
Parents of beneficiaries described the gesture as a major relief, particularly in light of prevailing economic challenges. Several of them were said to have noted that they had been uncertain about how to raise the funds for registration before the intervention came as an unexpected blessing.
Community leaders present at the event reportedly praised Shonubi for setting an example of responsible citizenship and grassroots impact. They highlighted that sponsoring over three hundred students at once reflects not only generosity but also a strategic investment in human capital development.
Education advocates within the community further observed that such interventions have far-reaching effects, as each supported student represents a potential professional, entrepreneur, innovator, or leader who will contribute meaningfully to society in the future.
Shonubi’s kind gesture is said to be a testament to the power of private individuals to drive positive change within their communities. By removing financial obstacles and creating access to opportunity, he has reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the next generation.
As the beneficiaries prepare to sit for their examinations, there is shared hope that this opportunity will translate into outstanding academic performance and long-term success stories that will continue to uplift Ikorodu.
