Lagos State Government Invests N4.2 Billion in WAEC Fees Over Four Years

In a disclosure on Thursday, the Lagos State Government revealed it disbursed a total sum of N4.2 billion over four years to cover West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) fees for students.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during the Ministerial Session of the 67th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held in Ikeja, themed “Addressing the Challenges of Policy Implementation: A Panacea for the Achievement of Education 2030 Agenda.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Primary and Basic Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the governor affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to settling WAEC fees for all SS3 public school students.

He traced this policy back to its inception in 2000 under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu when N200 million was initially allocated for the purpose, later evolving into an annual financial commitment exceeding N1 billion.

“In the last four years, we have paid over N4.2 billion to keep our promise of full payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination fees for our public school students, to ensure no student is left behind in the secondary school level of education,” stated Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Highlighting the government’s dedication to accessible education, the governor emphasized the introduction of free education at the primary and secondary levels through the Lagos Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Law of 2005.

He underscored the law’s impact on increasing enrollment in primary and secondary schools, especially in developing and rural areas.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further disclosed the establishment of six secondary schools between January and November, a move aimed at facilitating easy access to secondary education with the government’s approval.