The counselling session, held shortly after the official presentation of the forms, was aimed at preparing the students mentally and academically for the task ahead as they gear up for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Addressing the students, Mrs Ashimi charged them to take full advantage of the rare opportunity provided by the local government. She cautioned against complacency and lackadaisical attitudes that could jeopardise their future.
“This opportunity is not for decoration. It is a passport to your future. Do not allow carelessness or unseriousness to rob you of the benefits attached to this support. Many students out there desire this chance but do not have it. Make Somolu proud”. She said.
She further encouraged the beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to their studies, stressing that education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal transformation.
In her remarks, Hon. Mrs Mariam Omotanwa Salau, CEO of Equal Right Restaurant and Bar and the immediate past Chairperson of the council, charged them to see the free JAMB form opportunity as a seed, noting that when planted with dedication, discipline, and determination, it will surely produce a harvest of success.
She continued, “Prepare well, study hard, believe in yourselves, and remember that Somolu is proud of you. You carry not only your personal dreams but also the hopes of your families and this entire community”.
“Let this support inspire you to aim high, choose excellence over excuses, and remain focused. Success in JAMB is just the beginning; greater achievements await you in the university and beyond”.
“I encourage you to be good ambassadors of Somolu. Make us proud through your conduct, your results, and your commitment to becoming responsible leaders of tomorrow”.
Alhaja Mrs Risquat Giwa, in her address, urged the JAMB beneficiaries to understand three basic factors in Education: the Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Effective domains, with the last one being the moral aspect of education, stressing that losing the Effective domain means losing the two others.
“There are so many important things that you need to know and guide them jealously, but most importantly, the Effective domain, which has to do with the moral aspect of life. Don’t joke with it or else, you will find yourself to blame at the end of the day,” She echoed.
Also speaking, the council’s Education Consultant, Mr Lawal Adeseye, provided practical guidance on examination preparation. He advised the students to familiarise themselves with the JAMB syllabus, practice past questions consistently, and manage their time effectively during the examination.
“Don’t waste your time on one particular question. The moment you realise you don’t understand one question, skip it and move to the next one, and by the time you are through with those simple ones, you may be lucky to have gotten the answer to those skipped. You just have to be time-conscious,” He warned.
In the same vein, the Chief of Staff to the council chairman, Hon. Sadiq Adeeso, also laid emphasis on the importance of choosing appropriate courses and institutions, reminding them to align their choices with their strengths and long-term career aspirations.
The free JAMB initiative, facilitated by the Ashimi-led administration, forms part of ongoing efforts to support indigent but brilliant students within Somolu, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their access to higher education.
The event ended on a note of hope and renewed determination, as Mr. Musbau Ashimi admonished the beneficiaries pledged to make the most of the opportunity and excel in the forthcoming examination.
