Imo State has recorded a major breakthrough in examination access as 10,000 indigent students receive free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration forms under a scholarship scheme launched by the South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA), a group aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The initiative, unveiled in Owerri on Thursday, is part of a 50,000 student scholarship programme covering the entire South East region. Each of the five states in the zone, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, will receive support for 10,000 students.

SERHA National Coordinator, Mr. Belusochukwu Enwere, said the programme was designed to remove the financial barrier preventing many students from registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. He said the programme fits into President Tinubu's broader education agenda, which includes student loan schemes and infrastructure improvements across Nigerian schools. Enwere added that the South East, known for its entrepreneurial culture, would use the scholarships to produce the next generation of leaders, engineers, doctors, and innovators.

The unveiling ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers, private sector stakeholders, and hundreds of students, who described the intervention as much needed relief for families struggling with the rising cost of examination and tertiary education entry.

SERHA pledged to track and mentor the scholarship recipients to ensure the support yields measurable academic results. "SERHA, your dedication to uplifting the next generation echoes the very essence of Igbo ingenuity: onye aghala nwanne ya: no one leaves a brother or sister behind." Enwere said.

"In the South East, where innovation and enterprise are our heritage, from the technological marvels of our tech hubs to the global contributions of our diaspora, this scholarship initiative aligns perfectly with our zonal aspirations. It is not just about passing exams; it is about building leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, and visionaries who will drive Nigeria's economy forward. To the beneficiaries: You are the heroes of this story," Enwere stated.