Idemili North Mayor Declares Free SSCE Registration For SS3 Students in Public Schools

By Uzo Ugwunze

It was jubilation at the Idemili North Local Government Area INLGA Secretariat, Ogidi, Anambra State as the Mayor, Hon Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili) declared free Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination SSSCE Registration for all the SS3 Students in public schools within the INLGA.

Speaking during the 65th Nigerian Independence Day Celebration the Mayor said that the LG Council would undertake full sponsorship and payment of SSSCE Registration fee begining from the 2025/2026 session.

Nkwoka said that he was only following the visionary foot steps of Governor Chukwuma Soludo who gave free education for Primary and Secondary Education to all the children in public schools in Anambra State.

According to Nkwoka, Sixty-five years ago, on October 1st, 1960, Nigeria rose from the chains of colonial rule into the dawn of self-governance, with great dreams of unity, progress, and development. Today, while we reflect on how far we have come, we must also look ahead — with hope, courage, and unwavering dedication to the Nigeria we still aspire to build.

“At the grassroots level here in Idemili North Local Government Area, we are committed to building a future that reflects the aspirations of our people — a future that echoes the visionary leadership of our Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo (CFR).

“His Excellency’s administration is driven by a people-oriented agenda — “The Anambra Vision 2070”, with the goal of making our state a livable and prosperous homeland. Under his leadership, we are witnessing transformation across sectors — education, healthcare, digital economy, agriculture, infrastructure, and public service reform.

“As a local government, we align ourselves fully with this mission of transformation, and we have keyed into Governor Soludo’s “One Community, One Project” initiative. We are also working to ensure that every village and ward in Idemili North benefits from inclusive development — no one will be left behind.

“We have prioritized: Environmental cleanliness and sustainability; Youth empowerment and skills acquisition, ( 1YOUTH 2 skills); and the promotion of peace and security in our communities; ‘Grassroots education through support for our teachers and students hence the need to complement the free education already established by our Solution Governor by offering to pay for WAEC Examination Registration for all SSS3 students in public schools beginning from this session.

“To our youth and students here today — you are the leaders of tomorrow. The future belongs to you. Use your education, your talents, and your voices for good. Stay away from crime, cultism, and drug abuse. Embrace hard work, integrity, and community service.

“To our teachers and civil servants — you remain the pillars of our public service. We appreciate your tireless efforts and will continue to support you to do more.

“To our traditional rulers and community leaders — your wisdom and partnership are invaluable in promoting unity and development across our towns and villages.

“Let me also use this opportunity to remind us all that Independence is not just a celebration — it is a call to action. We must continue to build a Nigeria and an Anambra State that works for everyone. We must shun tribalism, violence, and selfishness, and embrace hard work, dialogue, and patriotism.

“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain.As we hoist our flags today and sing our national anthem, let it be with a renewed commitment to nation-building — from the family level to the national level,” Nkwoka stressed.

Moreso the duo of President Obosi Urban Landlords, Chief Emeka Asimone Dikedioramma and the Medical Director Ezinne Children’s Hospital Onitsha, Dr Mrs Vivian Onwukwe Mmiliaku Ogidi in their separate speeches said that despite some visible developments in the country, Nigeria has not grown the way it should have grown since independence. They advised the leadership of the country to fulfill their campaign promises by doing everything in their power to ameliorate the hunger and sufferings of the masses.

Meanwhile the trio of the Deputy Chairman Anambra State Central Senatorial Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Majesty Igwe Surv Charles Agbala of Uke, Chairman Anambra State Idemili North Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Majesty Igwe Barr. Dr. Emeka Onuorah of Oraukwu and His Majesty Igwe Godwin Odiegwu of Abacha community commended the Mayor of Idemili North for offering to pay the SSSCE Examination Registration fees saying it would lesson the burden of parents towards giving their children basic education.

The Royal Fathers also commended Nkwoka for other grassroot developmental projects completed by his administration including the renovation of the Traditional Rulers Chamber at the LG Council Secretariat Ogidi to an ultra modern level.

Highlights of the Nigerian Independence Day Celebration at Idemili North LGA include Match past by school children where Notre Dame High School Abatete won 1st Position for Secondary Schools and Premier Primary School 1 Odume Obosi won 1st Position for the primary schools section, staffs and NYSC Corp members, dancing competition with Gurus and Genius schools emerging winners, etc.