Free UTME Registration Begins in Bende as Hon. Chinasa Launches Major Education Lifeline (Flyer Attached)

Education-focused philanthropy has taken centre stage in Bende Local Government Area as Hon. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, through the Dogo Foundation, officially announced the commencement of free registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for eligible candidates across the LGA.

The initiative, which will run from February 2 to February 20, is open to indigenes and residents of Bende Local Government Area, marking a bold intervention aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and easing the growing financial pressure on parents and guardians.

According to the Dogo Foundation, the programme was conceived in response to rising education costs that have continued to shut many promising students out of higher institutions. By covering the cost of UTME registration, the foundation hopes to remove one of the major barriers facing young people seeking university, polytechnic, and college of education admission.

Speaking on the initiative, supporters of Hon. Chinasa described the programme as a people-centred intervention targeted at empowering the next generation through education. They noted that access to tertiary education remains one of the strongest tools for long-term development, especially in rural and semi-urban communities like Bende.

Beyond financial relief, the initiative is also expected to boost confidence among students who may have abandoned their academic dreams due to economic hardship. Parents across the LGA have equally welcomed the announcement, describing it as timely and impactful amid current economic realities.

The Dogo Foundation emphasized that the registration process will be transparent and accessible, urging interested students and parents to make inquiries early to avoid last-minute rush. Eligible candidates have been advised to contact Ebenezer Chukwuemeka Kanu on 081531117784 or visit the Dogo Foundation Office opposite Okozag Fuel Station, Uzuakoli, for guidance and participation.

Observers say the programme further reinforces Hon. Chinasa's growing reputation for prioritising youth development, education, and grassroots empowerment in Bende. As the registration window opens, expectations are high that hundreds of students will benefit from the initiative, potentially reshaping academic opportunities across the LGA.

­ƒôî Flyer and details of the registration process are attached below.