There were smiles all around on Monday, as Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Chairman of the Uyo Local Government Transition Committee, refunded the N7,000 registration fee to candidates who had registered for the 2024 University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).At least 100 candidates from Uyo Local Government Area received a refund after presenting their registration evidence at the Council’s conference hall on Monday, March 4, 2024, where the event was held.The Chairman, represented by the Supervisor for Education, Obong Idara Akpan, stated that the gesture, which is part of the support for indigenous students, was aimed at encouraging youths to attend school in order to be beneficial to themselves, their families, and society as a whole. He also mentioned that the refund would be given to all candidates from Uyo Local Government who purchased the forms, regardless of religious or political affiliations.”Today’s event demonstrates that the Council prioritizes the well-being of the people. In addition, the Chairman is in tune with the needs of the community.”We are aware of the current economic situation in the country. Therefore, the Chairman, in his generosity and wisdom, has decided to fulfill his promise to support candidates from Uyo who have purchased JAMB forms.”This is not simply a gift or handout; it is an investment in our people and their education. We expect them to take their exams seriously, achieve good grades, and commit themselves to their studies,” he said.Dr. Udo encouraged the recipients to represent Uyo Local Government Area well when they enter higher education institutions. He advised them to avoid involvement in cult activities, violence, cheating during exams, as well as abstain from drug abuse and other social vices.Speaking at the event, Mr. Etido Umoh, the Supervisor for Agriculture, Bishop Joseph Nyong, the Supervisor for Trade and Investment, and Obonganwan Agnes Utin, the Supervisor for Welfare Matters, among others, thanked the Chairman for the initiative.They encouraged the students to perform well, stating that promoting education among young people in Uyo would allow the recipients to study, graduate, and return ready to work in all sectors of the economy in the near future.Four beneficiaries who spoke at the event: Rita Gabriel from Ward 12, Ediene Ikot Obio Imo village; Eno-Obong Effiong from Ward 7, Attan Offot; Anyanime Jonah from Ward 5, Ifa Ikot Abia Mkpo; and Samuel Udosen from Ward 10, Ediene Ikot Obio thanked the Chairman for the gesture and promised to take their studies seriously once they gain admission to higher education.