Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has authorized the payment of WAEC (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) fees for 18,734 students in public secondary schools for the 2024/2025 academic session.
This development was announced by Wemi Jones, the Commissioner for Education, during a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday. Jones revealed that the state government will be disbursing N600 million for the initiative, continuing a policy aimed at ensuring equal access to education. The gesture aligns with the Free Examination Fee for Pupils in Public Schools Law enacted in 2023.
“The payment of WAEC fees,” Jones said, “is part of the government’s commitment to easing the financial burden on parents and guardians. With this law, all internal and external examination fees, including WAEC, JAMB, NABTEB, and primary school certificates, are now fully covered by the government.”
Jones highlighted that this year's effort marks a significant expansion in the number of beneficiaries, with 3,700 more students benefiting compared to the previous year. “In 2024, the government funded WAEC fees for 15,033 students. This year's increase reflects a growing trust in public education, as more parents are enrolling their children in government schools,” he said.
Governor Ododo’s commitment is seen as a continuation of Yahaya Bello’s legacy, who initiated reforms that laid the foundation for accessible education in the state. The commissioner emphasized that this policy aims to tackle out-of-school children challenges and encourage full completion of secondary education.
Jones expressed gratitude to school principals for their role in ensuring the smooth execution of the initiative last year but issued a stern warning to those who might attempt to exploit the system. “Anyone caught engaging in fraudulent practices will face severe sanctions,” he warned.
Additionally, the commissioner disclosed that the state government will extend its financial coverage to JAMB and NABTEB exams, further easing access to tertiary education. Fees for First School Leaving Certificates and Basic Education School Certificates will also be paid by the government, reinforcing the administration’s objective to support families and improve educational outcomes at all levels.
This bold move signals Kogi State’s dedication to creating a robust, inclusive education system, giving students from all backgrounds the opportunity to excel without financial constraints. Governor Ododo’s approval of the WAEC fee payment marks a critical step toward educational equity in the state.
