In a bold move to support education and ease the financial burden on parents, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has approved over N542 million for the payment of examination fees for students in public schools across the state.
The funds will cover the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other internal exams, including the Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination (CCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Breakdown of Funds:
- N145.4 million for 25,100 pupils sitting for Basic Six and CCE exams.
- N215.2 million for 30,500 students taking the BECE.
- N181.7 million for 18,734 students’ UTME/JAMB fees.
Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, made the announcement in Lokoja, highlighting that the initiative aligns with a law mandating free examination registration fees for public school students—a policy signed by former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Additional Support for WASSCE Fees
Jones also revealed that over N661.3 million has been approved for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for SS3 students, bringing the total state expenditure on examination fees for the 2024/2025 academic session to over N1.2 billion.
He noted that the initiative has led to an 18% increase in school enrollment and a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children. Additionally, the policy has improved student performance in national examinations, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to quality education.
Government’s Warning Against Misuse
Jones urged school principals to ensure a smooth registration process and warned against any attempts to sabotage the initiative, promising strict government action against violators.
The commissioner commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing education, emphasizing its role in reducing poverty and illiteracy across the state.