The administration of Governor Agbu Kefas has fully paid public examination fees for eligible students across the state, covering the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
The total cost of the gesture exceeds N2 billion, according to the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, who made the announcement in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Taraba.
“This administration has paid 100 percent of all examination fees for eligible students across Taraba,” Dr. Godwin stated. “It’s part of governor Kefas’ commitment to providing free and compulsory education and ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of background or location.”
In addition to settling examination fees, Dr. Godwin disclosed that the government has approved the production and distribution of desks and chairs to improve learning conditions in public schools. Over 6,000 desks have already been delivered to various schools in Jalingo, the state capital, with further supplies planned for other local government areas.
The commissioner also responded to recent criticisms regarding the state of public schools, assuring that the administration is making consistent efforts to overhaul infrastructure and restore confidence in the education system.
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She called on parents, guardians, and community leaders regardless of political affiliation to support the governor’s vision for education, describing it as a collective responsibility that requires unity of purpose.
On policy changes, Dr. Godwin expressed concern over reports that some private schools continue to administer the First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) despite its official suspension. She warned such schools to cease the practice immediately.
“The State Executive Council has approved the phasing out of the FSLC and replaced it with the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as the minimum requirement for admission into institutions and employment in both public and private sectors,” she said.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the policy shift and called on all education stakeholders to comply, stressing that the reform is essential for improving education standards and opportunities in Taraba State.
