Victoria Mgbanwa
In a significant move to improve access to education, the Kogi State government has committed over N1.2 billion to fund both internal and external examinations for students in public schools for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The initiative, aimed at reducing financial barriers to education, has already yielded positive results. According to the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, during a press conference on Tuesday in Lokoja, he explained that the payment of examination fees in 2024 led to an 18% increase in student enrollment, addressing one of the major challenges in the education sector—high dropout rates.
Governor Usman Ododo approved N542.4 million to cover the registration fees for key internal exams, including the Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Additionally, over N661.3 million was released for the 2024/2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Jones emphasized that this intervention aligns with the law mandating free examination registration fees for students in public primary and secondary schools, a policy initiated by former Governor Yahaya Bello. Ododo’s administration, he noted, remains committed to building on this foundation to ensure quality education is accessible to all.
“Governor Ododo, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, remains committed to consolidating achievements in the education sector.
“This intervention has significantly boosted school enrolment rates. The payment of examination fees in 2024 led to an 18 per cent increase in student enrollment.” He stated.
Beyond increasing enrollment, the initiative is expected to enhance students’ academic performance in national examinations while reducing the number of out-of-school children.
Jones urged school administrators to cooperate fully in implementing the policy, warning that any attempt to exploit students or sabotage the program would be met with strict government action.
