Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, has approved N600 million to cover the 2024/2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for 18,734 students in public secondary schools across the state.
This move is in line with the state’s law on free examination fees for pupils in public schools, enacted by former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The policy, which makes the government responsible for paying all internal and external examination fees for public school students, aims to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians.
According to Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, the policy also seeks to address the issue of out-of-school children and ensure 100% completion of secondary education..
However, Jones commended school principals for supporting the policy last year but warned of severe sanctions for any principal attempting to undermine the government’s efforts.
Notably, the number of students benefiting from the policy has increased by 3,700, from 15,033 in 2024 to 18,734 in 2025. This surge indicates a growing shift of pupils from private to public schools.
With report gathered, the state government also plans to cover fees for JAMB and NABTEB examinations, as well as the First School Leaving Certificate and Basic Education Certificate Examination fees, for public school students.
