The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the weekend, began the distribution of free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms to eligible admission seekers.
Fayemi also kick-started a free Computer-Based Training (CBT) training for candidates to boost their chances of success at the examination organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The daily free CBT training is held at JKF Leadership Centre on Ajilosun Road, Ado-Ekiti, the capital.
About 5,000 candidates are expected to benefit from the scheme.
Addressing beneficiaries from all 16 councils, Fayemi expressed delight at the large turnout of participants.
The former governor said the distribution of free UTME forms was one of the policies of his administration which, according to him, was allegedly stopped by the Ayo Fayose administration.
To ensure speedy registration of participants, the minister promised to empower the centre with more facilities.
He said: “I am happy to see you here. I would have loved to sit with you at this training, if not for my tight schedule. When we were in government, the state used to be responsible for this scheme. But the situation has changed today.
“I want to assure you that I am committed to ensuring that nothing inhibits your determination to achieve your dreams. It is our commitment and passion for education. This is part of a number of steps we are putting in place for you to actualise your dreams. Education is our pride in Ekiti.”
A beneficiary, Esther Ibitoye, thanked the minister, saying she would not have had the opportunity, if Fayemi had not come to her aid.
Another beneficiary, Moshood Adabiri, promised to perform well in the examination to justify the minister’s investment in the scheme.
The centre’s Programme Officer Bisi Dada and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth leader Femi Ogundare said beneficiaries were drawn from the 16 councils and 177 wards.
They said some youths, who had obtained the forms from other sources, also enrolled for the CBT training.
To ensure a wider reach, the officers pledged to begin a mobile CBT training.
