Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has approved the immediate disbursement of N497 million for the payment of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination fees for students enrolled in the state’s public schools.
This, according to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, and made available to The PUNCH on Saturday, was part of efforts aimed at further improving the state’s educational system.
The statement read, “This resolute step reflects the administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
“It aims to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.”
The statement added that the disbursement is also in fulfilment of the administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school levels within the state’s public schools, underscoring the government’s commitment to implementing the “Zero Out-of-School Policy” in the state.
“Furthermore, the Governor recently emphasised that his administration would penalise parents who fail to enrol their children in school under his leadership. This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment to not only increasing access to education but also ensuring active participation”, the statement added.
Among the schools that will benefit from the WAEC fees initiative, Dekina has the highest number of students, with 1,867 beneficiaries, followed by Lokoja Local Government Area, which has 1,569 students and Okene, 1,345 students.
In total, the initiative will benefit 15,033 students, enabling a brighter educational future for Kogi youths.