By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

Surulere Local Government in Lagos State has launched its sixth free summer coaching programme for 1,300 secondary school students, with outstanding participants to receive free GCE and JAMB forms.

The initiative, unveiled on Monday at Gbaja Girls High School, combines academic lessons, vocational training, career guidance and counselling during the long school vacation.

Chairman of the council, Mr Yusuf Sulaiman, said the programme was designed to sustain learning, improve performance and keep young people productively engaged.

Represented by Vice-Chairman Adewale Dosunmu, Sulaiman said the scheme would help students prepare for the next academic session while staying away from negative influences.

“This initiative is designed to engage students during their six-week vacation, thereby keeping them off the streets and preparing them for the upcoming academic year,” he said.

Sulaiman revealed that demand for the programme exceeded available spaces, with more students seeking admission than existing facilities could accommodate.

“This year, we have over 1,300 students. More pupils are still seeking registration, but we are limiting intake to prevent overcrowded classes,” he said.

He said the council remained committed to nurturing future leaders through quality educational support and mentorship opportunities.

“This free coaching will help Surulere produce the best students because we believe in their potential. You are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

The chairman urged participants to remain focused throughout the intensive four-week programme and maximise the opportunity provided by the council.

He disclosed that exceptional students would receive free GCE and JAMB registration forms upon completion of the coaching programme.

According to him, between 80 and 90 per cent of beneficiaries who previously received the forms successfully gained admission into higher institutions.

“That success rate encourages us to continue expanding the programme and investing in the educational future of our young people,” he said.

Sulaiman said the council worked with carefully selected teachers drawn from 23 junior and senior secondary schools within the local government.

“We screen applicants thoroughly to ensure they possess the capacity and commitment needed to impact students positively during the summer classes,” he said.

Declaring the programme open, he encouraged students to justify the council’s investment through discipline, hard work and academic excellence.

Also speaking, Leader of the 11th Assembly of the Surulere Legislative Arm, Mr Abdulrahman Olaiwola, urged participants to remain committed to their studies.

Olaiwola commended parents for prioritising education and supporting their children’s participation in the annual programme.

“This programme has recorded remarkable success over the years, and we hope this edition will achieve even greater results,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of participants, Master Tunde Bankole urged fellow students to take the coaching seriously and become worthy ambassadors of the council.

The Lagos State Government has fixed Sept. 14, 2026, as the resumption date for public and private primary and secondary schools. (NAN)

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