This was disclosed by the president of the organisation, Mr Adetunji Ajetunmobi, at the presentation, which took place at the Islamic Mission School, Bode, Ibadan.
According to him, the gesture is part of activities to mark the fifth anniversary of OYEN, and to encourage youths from poor homes to achieve their academic dreams.
“The entire education team of the organisation decided to present the best 16 students at the free tutorial classes being organised towards preparation for the UTME. Apart from the free WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) tutorial classes, we have another class for UTME,” he said.
He recalled that the team sponsored 49 students last year, noting that “this year, we looked out for the best among the students. We conducted three different mock examinations for them, and those who were able to pass two out of the three tests were considered for the sponsorship.
“These students are from different schools in Oyo State. Seventy per cent of them already have SSS III results; only few are sitting the WASSCE this year.”
He encouraged the parents of students who are benefitting from the free educational programmes, vocational trainings and other humanitarian services of OYEN to continue to support and monitor them, while he encouraged parents who had reached out to the team not to relent in their efforts.
He solicited for financial assistance from the government, just as he sought the help of well-meaning Nigerians towards the move of the organisation to equip youths in the nation, especially in Oyo State, in the area of education.
Mr Olawale Moshood Busari, the general secretary OYEN and chairman education committee, while speaking on the reason for giving free educational services to youths in the state, said the passion of the team was borne out of its passion to contribute to the development of the society and to help youths from poor family backgrounds to achieve their dreams in life.
Busari, a pioneer member of the team, charged the beneficiaries of the UTME sponsorship to make good use of the opportunity and make the organisation proud.
Appreciating Mr Ajetunmobi and his team on behalf of the other beneficiaries, Olamide Salima Tijani, an SSS 2 science student from Emmanuel Alayande School of Science, described the gesture as a lifewtime opportunity, which he said would help beneficiaries to further their education.
She promised on behalf of other beneficiaries to make good use of it.
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