Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has approved immediate release of N497million for the payment of the 2023 WAEC examination fees of 15,033 final year students in public secondary schools across the state.
The release of the funds was confirmed in a statement issued in Lokoja on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onogu Mohammed.
He said the release of the money was in fulfilment if an earlier pledge made by Bello to provide free education from primary to secondary school level.
Onogu saud the payment of the WAEC fee was part of efforts aimed at further improving the state’s educational system in the state.
The statement said the action underscored government’s unwavering commitment to implementing the “Zero Out-of-School Policy” in the state.
“This resolute step reflects the administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status of their parents and guardians.
“It aims to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.
“Furthermore, the governor recently emphasised that his administration would penalise parents who fail to enroll their children in school under his leadership.
“This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment to not only increasing access to education but also ensuring active participation,” the statement said.
Of the 15,033 benefitting students, Dekina Local Government has the highest number of 1,867, followed by Lokoja Local Government with 1,569 students and Okene Local Government, 1,345 students.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
