By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, announced on Tuesday in Lokoja the approval of N600 million for the payment of West African Examinations Council (W.A.E.C) fees for 18,734 students in public secondary schools across the state.
During a press briefing held in his office, Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, confirmed that this financial support aligns with the Free Examination Fee for Pupils in Public Schools law enacted by the state government. He emphasized that this law makes it the government’s responsibility to cover all internal and external examination fees for students in public primary and secondary schools.
Jones expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for continuing the legacy established by former Governor Yahaya Bello. “For the 2024/2025 WAEC, we approached the Governor for his approval to fund the exams for 18,734 students,” he stated.
With this development, the WAEC fees for students in public secondary schools in Kogi State will be fully covered by the state government. Jones noted that in 2024, the government paid fees for 15,033 students, which encouraged more parents to enroll their children in public schools, leading to an increase of 3,700 students.
“This policy will not only ease the financial burden on parents and guardians but also help address the issue of out-of-school children, aiming for 100% completion of education at this level,” he added.
The Commissioner also thanked school principals for facilitating the government’s intentions in the past year but warned that those who violate regulations would face severe sanctions.
Jones further assured that the state government would soon commence payments for JAMB and NABTEB fees for students in public schools, along with first school leaving certificates and Basic Examination School Certificates for pupils.
