The Borno State Government has paid ₦529.7 million to cover the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 26,158 final-year students in public secondary schools across the state.
The announcement was made on Friday during a symbolic cheque presentation ceremony in Maiduguri by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe.
Wakilbe said the gesture reflects Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s continued investment in education and his administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
“This milestone reflects the deep commitment of His Excellency, Gov. Zulum, to building an inclusive and equitable educational system where no child is left behind,” he stated.
He explained that the government subsidises 75 per cent of WASSCE registration fees annually, with this year’s payment covering students from all 27 local government areas of the state.
With the latest payment, the commissioner said Borno has spent a total of ₦4.15 billion on external examination fees between 2019 and 2025, benefitting 165,442 students over the period.
Wakilbe commended the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its collaboration, particularly for expanding examination centres into underserved areas like Askira Uba and Ngala. He noted that this has helped reduce long-distance travel for students and eased pressure on boarding facilities.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Special Adviser on Education, Abubakar Tijjani; Director of the Education Resource Centre, Abba Sheriff; various education secretaries, and chairmen of local governments including Gubio, Kaga, Bama, Damboa, Mafa, Dikwa, Monguno, Gwoza, Mobbar, Magumeri and Chibok.
The commissioner revealed that government plans to establish 47 new schools before the next academic session, aiming to further reduce the number of out-of-school children by 50 per cent.
He described the initiative as part of wider efforts to rebuild and strengthen the state’s education system, particularly in areas affected by insurgency.
In his remarks, Mr Leonard Odoh, Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator for WASSCE in Maiduguri, praised the state government for its commitment and pledged WAEC’s continued support for the smooth conduct of examinations.
“Despite security challenges, Borno has recorded significant progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children from 1.8 million to 0.8 million,” Odoh said.
(NAN)