The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, has approved a substantial allocation of N600 million to cover the 2024/2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 18,734 students in public secondary schools across the state.
This decision is part of the state government’s commitment to support education and relieve financial burdens on families within the state.
The announcement was made by the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Wemi Jones, during a press briefing held in his office on Tuesday. Commissioner Jones highlighted that the state government’s support for WAEC fees aligns with an existing policy that mandates the government to shoulder the cost of all internal and external examinations for students in public schools.
According to him, the law stipulates that every internal and external examination fee for pupils in public primary and secondary schools is to be covered by the government, thereby removing this financial burden from parents and guardians.Jones explained that this initiative is designed to promote educational access and completion.
“We approached His Excellency, the Governor, in accordance with this law, and he graciously approved the payment of WAEC fees for 18,734 students for the 2024/2025 session,” he stated.
This move, according to Jones, underscores the state government’s commitment to ensuring that all students in public secondary schools have the opportunity to complete their education without financial barriers, which could otherwise contribute to the out-of-school phenomenon.
The Commissioner noted that the policy is not just about providing financial relief; it also seeks to ensure that no child is left behind in the state’s educational system.
He emphasized that Kogi State is taking steps to address the challenges of access and affordability, which are often key factors in the rate of school dropouts.
“This policy by the government is intended to make life easier for citizens, parents, and guardians. It also aims to tackle the issue of out-of-school children and to encourage 100% completion of education at this level,” Jones stated.
Acknowledging the support of school principals who effectively facilitated the implementation of the state’s policy last year, Jones commended their efforts in streamlining the process, which allowed students to benefit from the initiative without delays or difficulties.
He warned, however, that any principal who attempts to undermine the government’s efforts through fraudulent practices or by failing to ensure transparency would face severe consequences.
Governor Ododo’s approval of N600 million for WAEC fees is part of a broader strategy to invest in Kogi State’s human capital by empowering students with the necessary support to complete their education.
By reducing the financial pressure on families and ensuring that students remain in school, the state government is positioning itself as a proactive leader in tackling educational challenges, particularly in underprivileged communities.
