On Tuesday, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, approved the immediate payment of about N600 million 2024/2025 WAEC fees of 18,734 Students in Public Secondary Schools in the state.
The State Commissioner For Education, Wemi Jones, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in his office in Lokoja.
He said the payment aligns with the Free examination fee for pupils in public schools law enacted by the State Government.
Jones explained that, with the law in place, the government was responsible for paying for every internal and external examination for pupils in public primary schools.
The Commissioner Commended Governor Ododo for continuing with the legacy and foundation laid by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.
He said: “For the 2024/2025 WAEC, we approached the Governor by the existing law for his approval payment for 18734 WAEC Students.
”With this development, the government has paid the WAEC fees in public secondary schools in Kogi State.
”In 2024, the State Government paid for 15,033 students.
“With this increase, we can imagine that more parents are now moving their wards to public schools leading to an increase of 3,700 students.
”This policy by the Government is to make life easier for citizens, parents and guardians.
“This policy is also intended to address the syndrome of out-of-school children and to also ensure 100% completion of education at that level.”
The Commissioner thanked secondary school principals in the state for making the government’s intention easier last year but warned that any of them who tried to play foul would be dealt with accordingly.
According to him, the government will soon, pay the JAMB and NABTEB fees for students in public schools.
Jones assured that examination fees of public primary school pupils writing the first school leaving certificate and Basic Examination School Certificate would also be paid.
(Vital News)
