JEDLOF Offsets NECO Fees for 20 Students, Eases Economic Burden

In a remarkable act of empowerment, the Jedidiah Divine Home of Love (JEDLOF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has offset the National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fees for 20 final-year secondary school students, bringing relief to families grappling with economic hardship.

The NGO paid over N7,000,000 to cover the students’ 2025 NECO enrolment fees.

The first batch of 10 beneficiaries was drawn from Ikeja High School, while the other 10 students were selected from various secondary schools.

The gesture, described as a significant contribution to educational development, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by school staff, parents, and students.

Speaking at the event, the founder of JEDLOF, Dr (Mrs) Ebele Okoye, revealed that the initiative was inspired by a divine commission when she established the foundation. She emphasised that providing support to those in need is a core mandate of the organisation.

“It is part of our outreach empowerment programme to ease the financial strain caused by the current economic challenges in the country,” Dr Okoye said. “When I set up this foundation, I vowed to support widows and the less privileged.

Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and we are determined to lift as many students as possible.”

Dr Okoye recounted how her father’s generosity inspired her from a young age. “My father would pay school fees for students who were sent home because they couldn’t afford it. That left a lasting impression on me,” she noted.

She explained that the foundation initially intended to cover the students’ registration for both the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams but discovered it was too late.

Consequently, the focus shifted to NECO registration to ensure the students would not miss the opportunity.

Dr Okoye urged the beneficiaries to work hard and excel in their studies. “We expect you to justify this opportunity by performing well in your exams. This will encourage the foundation to continue supporting more students in the future,” she advised.

Mrs Peace Okoye, a coordinator at the event, described the NECO registration support as one of four outreach programmes lined up by JEDLOF for the year.

She stressed the importance of education, highlighting that the foundation recognised the need to empower students academically.

“We are delighted to see the excitement on the faces of these students. We believe this gesture will give them the motivation to excel,” Mrs Okoye said.

Mr Adegene, a Senior Secondary School 3 teacher, lauded JEDLOF for the intervention, describing it as a morale booster for the students.

“This came as a surprise to us. JEDLOF has given these students hope, confidence, and a chance to pursue their academic dreams without financial pressure,” he said.

Some of the parents of the beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude to Dr Okoye and JEDLOF for the generous support. They prayed for the success of the foundation and pledged to encourage their children to perform well in their exams.

The event was witnessed by the principal, staff, and students of Ikeja Senior High School, who commended JEDLOF for its unwavering commitment to educational empowerment.