No fewer than 15,033 students in various secondary schools in Kogi State are set to enjoy payment of their WAEC examination fees from the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The Governor has already approved the immediate disbursement of the money to the benefitting students.
Among the schools that will directly benefit are Dekina with highest number of students, with 1,867 beneficiaries, followed by Lokoja Local Government Area, which has 1,569 students, and Okene, with 1,345 students.
The move, according to a statement by spokesman to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, is to foster a brighter educational future for the youth of the State.
“This initiative aligns with the governor’s commitment to free education and the Zero Out-of-School Policy in Kogi State.
The statement said that the decision to settle the WAEC examination fees for the students demonstrates the administration’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child in the State has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of socioeconomic status. “The goal is to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without placing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.
“Governor Yahaya Bello has also made it clear that his administration will penalize parents who fail to enroll their children in school. This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment not only to increasing access to education but also to ensuring active participation.
“The impact of this initiative is substantial, with a total of 15,033 students benefiting from the payment of their 2023 WAEC examination fees.”