Ben Ezechime, Enugu
A philanthropist and advocate for girls’ empowerment, Dr Amaka Ngene, has cleared West African School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees for all SSS3 students of Girls Secondary School, Akegbe Ugwu Awkunanaw, Nkanu West Local Area of Enugu State.
Speaking during the event, she said that the gesture was in fulfilment of the pledge she made during her 5th Annual International Day of the Girl Child celebration in October 2024.
Ngene further urged the principal of the school to refund any WAEC fee already paid by any parent(s) of the students.
She said that her intervention underscored her dedication to breaking barriers to education for young girls.
“I am calling for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s public school system.
“I am advocating for a system where public education up to Senior Secondary School is free, appropriate, and accessible to all children of school age,” she said.
She also emphasised the need to remove the barriers imposed by exit exams, which often exclude underprivileged students from progressing in their education.
She said that her vision was rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for societal transformation.
Ngene urged stakeholders to prioritise policies that ensured every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
