Gov Ododo Approves ₦600 Million For Kogi Public School Students’ WASSCE Fees

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sanctioned ₦600 million to cover the 2024/2025 WASSCE fees for 18,734 students in public secondary schools.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, State Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, explained, “The state government will be paying the sum of ₦600 million for the WAEC fees. The payment is in line with the Free Examination Fee for Pupils in Public Schools Law enacted by the state government in 2023.”

Jones praised Governor Ododo for upholding the foundation set by former Governor Yahaya Bello, noting, “For the 2024/2025 WAEC, we approached the governor for his approval for the payment of WAEC fees for 18,734 students.”

The commissioner highlighted that in 2024, 15,033 students benefited from this policy. With an increase of 3,700 students, more parents are enrolling their children in public schools, benefiting from the initiative aimed at reducing out-of-school children.

“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 moving their wards to public schools, leading to an increase of 3,700 students.

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

The commissioner also acknowledged school principals for their efforts in supporting the policy, cautioning those considering malpractice about strict penalties.

He added that the state government will continue covering fees for JAMB, NABTEB, and the First School Leaving Certificate to support student success.