The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has approved the sum of N600 million as payment for the 2024/2025 WAEC fees for 18,734 students in public secondary schools in the state.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, made the disclosure at a press briefing held in his office on Tuesday.

He stated that the state government would be paying the sum of N600 million for the WAEC fees.

The Commissioner disclosed that the payment aligns with the Free Examination Fee for Pupils in Public Schools law enacted by the state government.

He further explained that with the law in place, every internal and external examination for pupils in public primary schools has become the responsibility of the government to fund.

He praised Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo for continuing the legacy and foundation laid by his predecessor, former Gov. Yahaya Bello.

“For the 2024/2025 WAEC, we approached the Governor in accordance with the existing law for his approval to pay the WAEC fees for 18,734 students,” he said.

“With this development, the WAEC fees in public secondary schools in Kogi State have been paid for by the state government.”

“In 2024, the state government paid for 15,033 students. With this increase, we can see that more parents are now enrolling their wards in public schools, leading to an increase of 3,700 students.”

“This policy by the government aims to make life easier for citizens, parents, and guardians. It also intends to address the issue of out-of-school children and to ensure 100% completion of education at that level.”

The Commissioner thanked the principals of schools for facilitating the government’s intentions last year but warned those who tried to play foul of the severe penalties that await them.

Very soon, the state government, he added, will pay the JAMB and NABTEB fees for students in public schools, assuring that the First School Leaving Certificate and Basic Examination School Certificate for pupils would also be covered.