Recall that Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, released the sum N661,310,200.00 for the payment of 2024/2025 West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees for Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 students in the State Public Schools across the State.
In a press briefing in the Ministry of Education complex in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Honourable Commissioner, Wemi Jones, while addressing journalists, gave an update that an additional sum of N542,416,784.00 has been released.
Commissioner Jones mentioned that the policy for payment of these examination fees for students of primary and public schools comes under a law established during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
According to the statement, the examinations recently paid for are; Kogi State Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination 2025 for 25,100 students at the sum of N145,476,984.00; Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) 2025 for 30,500 students at the sum of N215,220,000.00; and Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) for 18,734 students at the sum of N181,719,800.00, totalling N542,416,784.00.
For the umpteenth time, the Commissioner warns against any act of misappropriation of the examination fees, and he added that the government has set up measures to ensure any misappropriation will be caught and perpetrators will be used as scapegoat goat as they will be vehemently dealt with.
He emphasized that details of the law guiding the policy will be followed to the letter, advising all stakeholders to get a copy of the law that that will be standard everyone must meet to ensure perfect execution of the processes.
“Any student is not expected to pay for even passport” as all expenses have been convered for by the government,” the Commissioner said.
Other parts of the statement read,
“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 enrolment rates significantly. It is on record that the payment of these fees for 2024 led to an increase of 18% in student enrollment. This effort has greatly reduced the number of out of school children that has been a great challenge in the Education Sector.
Secondly, 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 demonstrates his unwavering commitment to building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce for the future of Kogi 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.
I want to equally state that His Excellency has taken Education to be the corner stone of his administration consequently through a comprehensive school revalidation programme, over 200 Schools across the three senatorial district 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 can not be over emphasized;
– Renovation/Construction of Schools across the State
– Provision of ICT Material to Schools
– Sustainance of Students Exchange Program
– Accreditation of various courses in the State Tertiary Institutions.
“At this juncture, I want to thank His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, for giving me the opportunity to serve in this very important sector. I also wish to extend my appreciation to the immediate past administration under the exemplary leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for laying the solid foundation for the growth and development of the education sector in the State.
“To my directors and the entire staff of the Ministry, your unwavering commitment, dedicatio, and support are highly commendable.
“Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen, I want to thank you immensely for your time and co-operation.
“Thank you for listening, and God bless you.
Other stakeholders of the education sector present are State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), amongst others.