Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has approved the immediate disbursement of N497 million to pay the 2023 WAEC examination fees for students enrolled in the state’s public schools.
The payment by the governor comes exactly one week before the governorship election in the north-central state.
Muhammed Onogwu, Bello’s spokesman, said the disbursement is in the realisation of the administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school level within Kogi state’s public schools.
His words:
“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.
”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 enrol 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.”
He added that the initiative will benefit a substantial 15,033 students across all local government areas of the state.
