The Kogi State government in northcentral Nigeria has allocated 600 million Naira to cover the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for the 2024 academic session, benefiting 18,734 students in public secondary schools across the state.
Announcing the decision in Lokoja, the state capital, the Commissioner of Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, highlighted that this move reflects the government’s dedication to promoting education and easing the financial burden on families.
He said the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision to make quality education accessible to all students in Kogi State.
The Commissioner emphasised that the funding will ensure students in all 21 local government areas of the state can sit for the 2024 WAEC examinations without financial challenges.
‘The decision aligns with the Kogi state government’s broader educational reforms aimed at addressing cases of out-of-school children and encouraging higher school enrollment in the state,’ he said.
The education commis
sioner warned school principals not to deprive the students from benefiting from the free education policy in the state.
‘Those with such attitudes should desist from it, else severe consequences await them,’ he cautioned.
He assured the students that the state government will continue to prioritize the welfare of students and pupils in the free education policy from primary to secondary schools by Governor Ododo’s administration in the state.
Source: Voice of Nigeria