Kogi’s governor earmarks N497 million for students’ WASSCE fees

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, in a recent announcement reported by InfoStride News, has approved the allocation of N497 million to cover the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for students in public schools within the state. This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the education system and ensuring equal access to quality education.

The official statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu, emphasizes the government’s dedication to providing opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. It aims to empower students to take essential examinations without imposing financial burdens on their parents or guardians. This aligns with the administration’s promise to offer free education from primary to secondary school levels in public schools in the state, demonstrating their commitment to the “Zero Out-of-School Policy.”

Furthermore, Governor Yahaya Bello has emphasized his administration’s determination to penalize parents who do not enroll their children in school during his tenure. This comprehensive approach to education not only focuses on increasing access but also encourages active participation.

The statement also specifies the local government areas that will benefit from the WASSCE fee initiative. These areas include Dekina, with the highest number of students at 1,867 beneficiaries, Lokoja Local Government Area with 1,569 students, and Okene with 1,345 students. In total, this initiative will support 15,033 students, marking a significant investment in the future of education in Kogi State.