The Borno State Government has paid over half a billion naira to cover the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for more than 26,000 final year students in public secondary schools across the state.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum approved the release of N529,699,500 for the initiative, which benefits 26,158 students in all 27 local government areas.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held at the Quality Assurance Office in Maiduguri and presided over by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.
Wakilbe said the payment underscores Governor Zulum’s commitment to making education accessible, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This sustained investment underscores the governor’s broader vision of an inclusive education system where no child is left behind,” Wakilbe said.
He explained that the state government subsidizes 75% of WASSCE registration fees for public school students, ensuring they can sit for their examinations without financial barriers.
Wakilbe also noted a significant achievement of the policy: public school students in Borno now receive their results at the same time as their counterparts in private schools, promoting fairness and equal opportunity.
With this latest payment, Borno State’s total expenditure on external examination fees since 2019 has risen to N3.52 billion, benefiting 165,442 students.
The Commissioner commended the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its ongoing partnership, including the extension of examination centres to all parts of the state this year, such as Askira Uba and Ngala Local Government Areas.
The expansion has eliminated the need for students to travel to Maiduguri for exams, easing the burden on boarding facilities and improving safety and logistics.
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Wakilbe expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including local government chairmen from Gubio, Kaga, Askira Uba, Ngala, Bama, Damboa, Mafa, Dikwa, Monguno, Mobbar, Gwoza, Magumeri, and Chibok, for providing critical support.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Hon. Abubakar Tijjani, Special Adviser on Education; Abba Sheriff, Director of the Education Resource Centre; and local government education secretaries for their oversight.
“This milestone is a strong indication of the progress we are making in post-insurgency educational recovery and a testament to the resilience of our students, teachers, and communities,” Wakilbe concluded.
Meanwhile, WAEC officials have praised the Borno State Government for its sustained support.
Dr. Leonard Mado Odoh, Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator of WAEC’s Maiduguri office, confirmed receipt of the payment and commended Governor Zulum’s administration for its dedication to education.