Shocker: Many SSS3 girls cannot afford NECO fees in kaduna -GPFN Country Director decry
*Laments GBV in public schools
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Country Director Global Peace Foundation, Nigeria (GPFN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has revealed that many girls in Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS-3) in Kaduna are facing the heartbreaking reality of being unable to sit for their NECO examinations simply because they cannot afford the fees.
Rev. John Joseph Hayab, made the revelation Tuesday in a keynote address at the Media Roundtable Discussion on Girl Child Education and Gender-Based Violence in Public Schools on February 25, 2025, at NUJ Secretariat, Kaduna State Council.
He also said there are two critical issues that deeply affect Nigeria society, citing the education of the girl child and the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) in our public schools.
“These issues demand our collective attention and urgent action. Education is the most powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and empowering young people to build a better future.
“Yet, across Kaduna State, many girls in Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to sit for their NECO examinations simply because they cannot afford the fees.
“This financial barrier is forcing many bright and hardworking students to drop out at the final hurdle of their secondary education, limiting their opportunities and deepening inequalities”, he said.
While he commended Kaduna state Governor Uba Sani, for his passion and significant strides in transforming the education sector in Kaduna State, Hayab said Uba Sani administration has shown a clear commitment to improving access to education by reinstating the SSCE fees.
According to him, the SSCE fees policy had been discontinued by the previous administration adding that the bold step demonstrated his dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship.
However, while the government has commendably allocated a budget line for these external examination fees, “it is crucial that the funds are released immediately”.
“Delay in disbursing these funds will mean that thousands of students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, may miss their examinations this year. We cannot afford to let this happen”, he said.
He therefore appeal directly to the Kaduna State Government to prioritize the immediate release of funds to sponsor NECO examinations for SSS3 students.
“This is not just a matter of policy—it is about the future of our children and the economic growth of our state. Education is an investment, not an expense. When we educate a girl, we educate a family, a community, and a nation.
“But when financial constraints deny a child this opportunity, we all bear the consequences. If we truly want to see sustainable development in Kaduna State, we must remove every obstacle that prevents our children from accessing quality education.
“Through the Rise Up Project, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and Back to School Educational Initiative have conducted in-depth research to understand the root causes of school dropout among girls in Kaduna State.
“Our findings revealed that poverty, the government’s previous withdrawal of SSCE fee payments, and the harassment of girls in schools are the major factors pushing young girls out of school.
“In response, we have taken concrete steps by mobilizing community support to amplify these issues and demand action. Additionally, we established 30 Community School Safety Committees across the three senatorial zones to address harassment and create safer school environments.
“These committees serve as watchdogs, working with school authorities, parents, and law enforcement to mitigate acts of violence and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning.
“The prevalence of gender-based violence in our public schools is alarming and requires an urgent attention. Girls should not have to choose between education and safety. Schools must be safe spaces where they can learn, grow, and thrive without fear of harassment or abuse’…….
Rev. Hayab called upon the Kaduna State Government, school administrators, and relevant stakeholders to implement strong policies and accountability measures to prevent and address GBV in our schools, saying,”Every girl deserves an education free from fear, intimidation, or exploitation”.
The media plays a vital role in shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable urging them to continue amplifying the voices of these young girls and advocating for policies that prioritize their education and well-being.
“We must collectively push for the immediate release of examination fees to ensure that no child in Kaduna State is forced to abandon their education due to poverty. We must also work together to create safer schools for our children.
“Governor Uba Sani has taken commendable steps toward improving education in Kaduna State. Now, we urge him to complete this process by ensuring that the necessary funds reach those who need them most—our children”, he said.
In his remarks by the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe said Education is the greatest equalizer, and for girls, it is a powerful tool for breaking the cycles of poverty, inequality, and violence. However, in Kaduna State.
“As we gather to discuss the pressing issues of Girl Child Education and Gender-Based Violence in Kaduna State schools, I want to emphasize that these issues are not only moral imperatives but also essential for the socio-economic development of our state and nation”, he said.
He said the e scourge of Gender-Based Violence in schools is a stark reminder of the dangers that our girls face daily”, adding “No child shouldn’t feel safe in school, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our schools are safe for all”, while enjoined colleagues of the important of their roles in shaping public discourse and holding policymakers acceptable.
