Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has given the green light for the release of N542 million to cover the examination fees of students in public schools across the State......CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>.....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
This move is aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents and guardians, particularly in these economically challenging times.
According to Wemi Jones, the Commissioner for Education, the funds will be utilized to pay for the registration fees of 25,100 pupils for the Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination, 30,500 students for the Basic Education Certificate Examination, and 18,734 students for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)/JAMB fees.
Jones stated in Lokoja on Tuesday, “A total of N145,476,984 has been allocated for 25,100 pupils for Basic Six and CCE; N215,220,000 for 30,500 students under BECE; and N181,719,800 for 18,734 students’ UTME/JAMB fees, amounting to N542,416,784.”
This initiative, Jones noted, is in line with the law enacted by former Governor Yahaya Bello, which mandates free examination registration fees for students in public primary and secondary schools. Governor Ododo has reaffirmed his commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, with a focus on consolidating achievements in the education sector.
In addition to the N542 million approved for examination fees, the state government also released over N661.3 million to cover the payment of the 2024/2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for SS3 students in public schools.
This brings the total commitment by the State government to over N1.2 billion for both external and internal examinations for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Jones noted that this intervention has significantly boosted school enrollment rates, with an 18% increase in student enrollment recorded in 2024.
The gesture has also reduced the number of out-of-school children and enhanced students’ performance in national examinations.