In a remarkable display of generosity and commitment to educational development, the Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji Foundation has covered the tuition fees, as well as the WAEC and JAMB registration costs, for 103 final-year students at Community Secondary School Mbu, located in Isiuzo Local Government Area of Enugu State. This life-changing initiative was formally announced during a special event at the school on Monday, March 3, 2025, this covers fees worth N4,789,500. The benevolent gesture is expected to significantly impact the academic journeys of these students, allowing them to focus on their studies without financial worries.
The event was marked by an atmosphere of joy and gratitude, as students, parents, educators, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the incredible support extended to the students. The generous initiative aligns with Alhaji Nnaji’s long-standing reputation for investing in education and community development. During his address at the event, Alhaji Nnaji reaffirmed his belief in the transformative power of education and his commitment to supporting young minds in their pursuit of knowledge.
“This is just the beginning,” he said passionately. “I want to ensure that these young minds have the chance to shine and create a brighter future for themselves. Let us keep praying that this won’t be the last.”
Beyond covering examination fees, Alhaji Nnaji took his commitment a step further by announcing that 10 of the top-performing students in the JAMB examination would receive full scholarships to further their education at the tertiary level. This scholarship package will include tuition and other academic expenses, offering a life-changing opportunity to students who may have otherwise struggled to continue their education beyond secondary school.
The initiative received high praise from government officials, including the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Ndubueze Mbah. Represented at the event by his Special Adviser, Dr. Muoh, the Commissioner lauded Alhaji Nnaji’s unwavering dedication to educational empowerment. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between individuals, community leaders, and stakeholders in achieving the Enugu State government’s vision for education.
“His Excellency, Governor Mbah, has opened the door to partnerships and has invited individuals to participate in this vision. What we are witnessing today is a testament to the power of community involvement. Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji has shown how individuals, community leaders, and stakeholders can contribute meaningfully to this vision. We must all embrace this spirit of collaboration and get involved,” Dr. Muoh stated.
The event took on an even more celebratory tone when the Vice Chancellor of the State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Enugu State, addressed the students. He expressed confidence in their academic potential and reassured them that their future in higher education was secure. The Vice Chancellor highlighted that the university’s registrar hails from Mbu, strengthening the institution’s commitment to welcoming students from the community.
“It’s truly exciting to see such a wealth of talent emerging from our local schools. Because the registrar of our university is a son of Mbu, we are dedicated to ensuring that these brilliant students have a place at SUMAS,” he assured the audience.
The Vice Chancellor’s words sparked enthusiastic applause and excitement among the students and their parents, who saw this as a clear pathway to higher education. Many parents, overcome with gratitude, expressed their appreciation for Alhaji Nnaji’s selfless act, which they saw as a beacon of hope for their children’s future.
One of the parents, Mrs. Ezembu Celestina, voiced her heartfelt appreciation. “Alhaji Nnaji Sani Friday has done more than just pay fees; he has given us hope. Our children now have the chance to dream big and achieve their goals—something we once thought was beyond reach.”
Similarly, respected title holders and leaders within the community praised Alhaji Nnaji for his role in fostering progress and development. They recognized that his contributions extended beyond financial assistance, as his philanthropic work was actively inspiring hope and ambition among the youth.
The most emotional reactions, however, came from the students themselves. Many expressed their gratitude and excitement for the opportunities that now lay ahead. One such student, Chinaza, shared how much this support meant to her “this is a life-changing moment for us,” she said. “I feel so excited today because my WAEC and tuition fees have been paid. I am also hopeful that I can be among the outstanding JAMB scorers who will receive the scholarship for tertiary education. Alhaji Nnaji has not just given us financial support—he has given us hope and belief in our future. I pray that God replenishes his wealth.”
As the event drew to a close, words of appreciation echoed from all corners. It was evident that the Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji Foundation had left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone present. The initiative did not merely offer financial relief; it instilled a renewed sense of community pride, optimism, and the drive to succeed.
The impact of this act of kindness is far-reaching. With the support of Alhaji Nnaji’s foundation, the students of Community Secondary School Mbu are now better positioned to excel academically and shape their futures. His generosity stands as a shining example of how individual actions can ignite positive change within a community. By investing in education, he has paved the way for a new generation of scholars, leaders, and professionals who will contribute meaningfully to society.
Through his unwavering commitment to education, Alhaji Nnaji has not only relieved financial burdens but has also inspired hope in young minds. His efforts serve as a clarion call for others to step forward and support the academic aspirations of the less privileged. If this initiative continues, it could set a precedent for even greater educational empowerment, not just within Isiuzo Local Government Area, but across Enugu State and beyond.