Following the release over N542m by Kogi State Government, over 74,334 pupils and students in Public Schools are to write free external examinations in the State.
Recall that The Drum Reporter reported that Over 18,000 Students To Write Free WAEC in Kogi
Commissioner of Education, Hon. Wemi Jones made this known during a Press Briefing on Tuesday in Lokoja.
Hon. Jones said the examinations include; Common Entrance, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
He stated that while 25,100 Primary School Pupils will be writing the common entrance examination, 30,500 and 18,734 will be sitting for BECE and JAMB Examinations free of charge.
According to him, “the State Government, under the able leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved and paid the total sum of N 542,416,784.”
“The Implication of His Excellency’s approval for the payment of the various fees for our Students and Pupils highlighted above are enormous.
First, it will increase school enrollment rates significantly. It is on record that the payment of these fees for 2024 led to an increase of 18% in Students enrollment. This effort has greatly reduced the number of out of school children that have been a great challenge in the Education Sector.
He further states that, “Students performance will be greatly enhanced particularly in National Examinations. Recall that in 2024, the payment of these fees has improved the Students performance in National Examination by 12%.These efforts of the Governor clearly demonstrate his unwavering commitment to building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce for the future of Kogi State.
He stated that with the move, the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has shown that he is committed to the growth of education in the State.
“It is evidently clear that in about a year in Office, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has shown an undeniable commitment to the overall growth of Education in the State, the Commissioner posited.
“I want to equally state that His Excellency has taken Education to be the cornerstone of his administration consequently through a comprehensive school revalidation programme, over 200 Schools across the three senatorial districts of the state have been renovated, equipped with modern facilities and qualified teachers.
“The recent payment of Bursary allowances and Scholarships to various categories of students in Nigerian Tertiary Institution is another remarkable achievement of Governor Ododo. The effect of this cannot be over emphasized.
The Commissioner noted that the state will continue to remain ahead in Education in the country, thanking the immediate past Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello for laying a solid foundation for the sector to strive.
He urged the people not to abuse the opportunity as the Ministry has put in place to ensure that no body beats the system.
Hon. Jones warned that any teacher of school administrators caught collecting money from students and pupils will be sanctioned, adding that the government is also paying for passport photographs.
