Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has approved ₦600 million to cover WAEC fees for 18,734 public secondary school students for the 2024/2025 academic session, aligning with the state’s free education law.

The government also pledged to cover upcoming JAMB and NABTEB fees, according to Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, in a press statement in Lokoja on Tuesday.

Jones praised Governor Ododo for sustaining the policy established by former Governor Yahaya Bello, emphasizing that the initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on families and curb the number of out-of-school children. He noted the increase in government-funded WAEC candidates from 15,033 last year to 18,734 this year, attributing the rise to more parents enrolling their children in public schools.

The Commissioner also warned school principals against malpractice and confirmed that Kogi State will soon fund JAMB, NABTEB, and other exams for public school students.