In a remarkable display of her commitment to girl-child education, Dr. Amaka Ngene, a passionate advocate for girls’ empowerment, has fulfilled her pledge to cover the West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for all students at the Girls Secondary School Akegbe Ugwu Awkunanaw in the Nkanu West Local Government Area.
This promise, made during her 5th Annual International Day of the Girl Child celebration in October 2024, underscores her dedication to removing barriers to education for young girls.
Dr. Ngene has also advised the school principal to refund any WAEC fees already paid by families, ensuring that no parent is left with this financial burden.
Her intervention has brought immense relief to families and reinforced her belief in equal access to quality education for all children.
In addition to this generous act, Dr. Ngene has called for a comprehensive reform and overhaul of Nigeria’s public school system. She advocates for a framework in which public education up to Senior Secondary School is both free and accessible to all school-age children.
She also emphasised the need to eliminate the barriers posed by exit exams, which often prevent disadvantaged students from progressing in their education.
Dr. Ngene’s vision is rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental right and a powerful catalyst for societal change. Her efforts continue to inspire hope and prompt action, urging stakeholders to prioritise policies that guarantee every child, regardless of their background, the opportunity to succeed.
Parents of the students, unable to contain their joy, expressed their gratitude to Dr. Ngene for her kind gesture and prayed for her continued blessings in all her endeavours, noting that a significant burden has been lifted from their shoulders.
The school’s Senior Prefect, Chisom Ani, who spoke on behalf of the students, thanked Dr. Ngene for the exceptional love shown to them, stating that this act has provided many of them with the opportunity to sit for an exam they previously thought was out of reach.
Ms. Ani remarked that the best way they can repay this kindness is by working hard to excel in the exam.
As Nigeria grapples with substantial educational challenges, Dr. Ngene’s work serves as a clarion call for systemic change, reminding us that a brighter future begins with investing in the education of today’s children.
